Rwanda plans modular nuclear power plants with Rosatom
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Rwanda News Agency
Rwanda and Russia’s state-owned nuclear company Rosatom have signed an agreement providing for small modular nuclear power plants and a nuclear science and technology centre in Rwanda. The partnership also covers training Rwandan specialists and nuclear applications in healthcare, agriculture and mining, according to the Rwanda News Agency.
Rwanda and Russia have signed an agreement to build small modular nuclear power plants and establish a nuclear science and technology centre in Rwanda. The agreement also provides for training Rwandan personnel to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards, according to the Rwanda News Agency.
The agreement was signed in Moscow during the third Russia-Africa Summit by the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), represented by Rwanda’s ambassador to Russia, Major General Joseph Nzabamwita, and Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy company, represented by its deputy director general for international activities, Nikolay Spassky. Rosatom says 102 Rwandan students are currently studying at Russian universities through its programmes.
The project is intended to provide affordable electricity and extend the use of nuclear technologies to healthcare, including cancer treatment, agriculture, mining and mineral processing. Construction work is expected to begin soon and could create jobs for young Rwandans. Ambassador Joseph Nzabamwita described the agreement as supporting Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation and Vision 2050, according to the Rwanda News Agency.
The agreement sets out the areas of cooperation announced in the proposed first nuclear reactor in Rwanda, reported on 31 October.
