An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) team has completed an eight-day mission to review Rwanda’s infrastructure development at the request of the Government of Rwanda.
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 Programme 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.
The Phase 1 INIR mission team comprised four experts from Egypt, Estonia, Kenya and Pakistan, as well as six IAEA staff. The team said 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 programme. Before the INIR review, Rwanda prepared a self-evaluation report covering all nuclear power infrastructure issues and submitted the report and supporting documents to the IAEA.
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. 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 programme, 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 programme,” 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 organisations and teams during the mission reflected a deep commitment to the programme.”
The team made recommendations and suggestions to assist Rwanda in making further progress in the development of its nuclear infrastructure and to prepare for the first SMR project in the country. The team highlighted areas where further actions would strengthen Rwanda’s progress, including finalising 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 programme.
“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 programme.
