Rwanda making progress in adding nuclear power to its energy mix: IAEA

Rwanda is making progress towards adding nuclear power to its energy mix, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Thursday, citing the development of the necessary infrastructure for a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power program.

The assessment was released following a recent review of the country’s progress by a team from the agency conducted at the request of the government.

Rwanda plans to supply 60%-70% of its power from nuclear energy long-term, according to officials.

The country expects its first small modular reactor to be operational by the early-2030s.

In its assessment, the IAEA said the review team noted the progress made in the areas of drafting a new comprehensive nuclear law, initiating work to enhance the regulatory framework for a nuclear power program, conducting site surveys and identifying candidate sites for the planned small modular reactor project.

Mehmet Ceyhan, technical lead of the IAEA nuclear infrastructure development section and team leader for the mission, said the level of preparation and involvement from all participating organizations and teams during the mission reflected a deep commitment to the program.