International Atomic Energy Agency reviews Rwanda’s nuclear power infrastructure devt
Rwanda is making progress towards adding nuclear power to its energy mix, including in developing the necessary infrastructure for a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power program, according to an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review mission.
The Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review mission, conducted at the request of the government of Rwanda, took place from March 2 to 9.
Rwanda aims to have nuclear power supply 60% to 70% of its energy mix, with medium- and long-term nuclear power generation incorporated into the national energy sector strategies and the National Land-Use Master Plan.
Rwanda expects its first small modular reactor (SMR) to be operational by the early-2030s.
The Rwanda Nuclear Power Program is being developed under a 2020 Presidential Order that established the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board.
Nuclear power is part of the Rwanda Energy Policy, which establishes the framework for the country’s draft nuclear energy policy and supports its ambitions to reduce reliance on electricity imports and fossil fuels.
Prior to the Phase 1 review mission, Rwanda prepared a self-evaluation report covering all nuclear power infrastructure issues and submitted the report and supporting documents to the IAEA.
The mission team comprised four experts from Egypt, Estonia, Kenya and Pakistan, as well as six IAEA staff.
The team identified good practices that would benefit other countries developing nuclear power in the areas of strong government commitment and coordination, proactive engagement with stakeholders, and early and comprehensive preparation for emergency preparedness and response, according to a statement.
The team also 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 SMR project.
“Strong government support and the effective coordination of the preparatory work helped Rwanda make significant progress towards deciding on a nuclear power program,” said Mehmet Ceyhan, Technical Lead of the IAEA Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section and Team Leader for the mission.
“The level of preparation and involvement from all participating organizations and teams during the mission reflected a deep commitment to the program.”
The team made recommendations and suggestions aimed at assisting Rwanda in making further progress in the development of its nuclear infrastructure and its readiness to build the first SMR project in the country.
It highlighted areas where further actions would strengthen Rwanda’s progress, including finalizing the comprehensive report to support the national decision-making to introduce nuclear power, completing the review of national legislation, and further developing and adopting policies and strategies to support the nuclear power program.
“Rwanda remains firmly committed to the responsible, safe and transparent development of nuclear power infrastructure. The IAEA’s review provides us with invaluable guidance to ensure that our national framework aligns with international safety standards and global best practices,” said Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure of Rwanda.
Based on the outcomes of the INIR mission, the IAEA and Rwanda will develop an integrated workplan to continue providing coordinated support in line with the future development of the country's nuclear power program.
