Published on 12/03/2025
Rwandan government is set to establish multiple nuclear power plants with a total capacity of 110 MW over the next decade, starting in 2025. Nuclear power plants generate electricity by utilizing energy released from nuclear fission.
According to the country’s new energy policy, developing these plants will require an estimated Rwf1 trillion by the 2034/35 fiscal year. A feasibility study for the project is expected to cost Rwf5.3 billion.
Fidèle Ndahayo, CEO of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), emphasized the need for nuclear power to address the country’s growing energy demand. He noted that while Rwanda’s current energy capacity stands at approximately 650–700 MW, achieving Vision 2050 goals will require installed capacity to increase to between 2.5 GW and 4.5 GW, depending on different forecast scenarios.
To meet this demand, Rwanda is considering Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology due to its suitability for smaller grids, cost-effectiveness, and ease of deployment. SMRs can be factory-assembled and transported for on-site installation, making them a practical option for the country’s energy needs.
RAEB has outlined a phased approach to developing nuclear energy, including feasibility studies, infrastructure development, and regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and secure management of nuclear materials. In 2024, Rwanda completed a pre-feasibility study for the SMR project, identifying potential sites for development. Further assessments will determine the most suitable locations for the plants, adhering to international safety and regulatory standards.
In August 2024, RAEB signed an agreement with Nano Energy, a U.S.-based company specializing in microreactor technology, to support nuclear energy development in Rwanda. Microreactors, which generate between 1 MW and 10 MW of power, can provide electricity to remote and inaccessible areas. These mobile units can be transported via truck and deployed as needed.
The Ministry of Infrastructure has announced plans to develop a dedicated Nuclear Energy Policy and Law, which will regulate nuclear applications across various sectors, including electricity generation, agriculture, health, industry, and mining. The policy will align with international standards, ensuring safe operations, waste management, and decommissioning procedures.
As part of its broader energy strategy, Rwanda aims to increase its electricity generation while boosting the share of renewable energy in the power mix from 51% to 60%. Additionally, the government will conduct studies on integrating nuclear energy into the national grid.
Nuclear Energy in Africa
Currently, South Africa is the only African nation with an operational nuclear power plant, contributing approximately 5% of the country’s electricity since 1984. Egypt is constructing its first nuclear power facility, set to begin operations in 2026. Other African nations, including Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, Sudan, Algeria and Tunisia, are in the planning stages of nuclear energy development. Kenya expects to begin constructing its first nuclear plant by 2027, with electricity production anticipated by 2034. Uganda also plans to build an 8,400 MW nuclear facility in Buyende District.
Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore has underscored Rwanda’s urgent need for expanded energy capacity, stating that in the next 25 years, the country will require over ten times its current electricity supply. He emphasized that hydropower and other existing resources alone will not suffice, making nuclear power a crucial component of Rwanda’s energy strategy.
Although construction has yet to begin on Rwanda’s first nuclear plant, the government is laying the groundwork by conducting feasibility studies, establishing regulatory frameworks, and collaborating with key international partners, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the U.S. Department of Energy.
