The African country signalled a drive to secure a reliable electricity supply and accelerate industrialisation as it targets high‑income status by 2050.
The project, expected to cost up to $6 billion, is currently undergoing a comprehensive review by the International Atomic Energy Agency, whose team visited the country from March 2 to 9 to assess preparedness and infrastructure readiness.
Speaking to Channel Africa on Friday, Energy Analyst Tshepo Kgadima said Rwanda’s choice reflects its determination to avoid the energy insecurity that has hindered growth in many African nations. “They want to make a giant leap into energy‑intensive industries that require power on demand,” he said. “Hydropower is abundant but vulnerable to climate shocks. Nuclear gives constant, reliable and low‑cost energy.”
Kgadima argued that nuclear power remains one of the cheapest and most dependable sources of electricity, citing France, where more than 70% of electricity comes from nuclear plants, and South Africa’s Koeberg station, which consistently produces the lowest‑cost power in the Eskom fleet. “The belief that nuclear is expensive is a misconception,” he said. “Its long‑term cost competitiveness is proven.”
The investment is substantial for a small, landlocked country. Kgadima expects Rwanda to rely on vendor‑financing arrangements, particularly with technology suppliers such as Russia. “SMR vendors are eager for countries to adopt their designs. They are willing to provide financing because they want to demonstrate confidence in their technology,” he said. Long‑term power‑purchase agreements with energy‑intensive industries could also support revenue generation.
SMRs offer unique advantages over traditional large‑scale plants. They can be deployed closer to demand centres, reducing the need for extensive transmission infrastructure. Unlike conventional reactors, which require large bodies of water for cooling, SMRs can use alternative cooling systems such as gas, making them suitable for landlocked or water‑scarce countries. They can also be installed in stages as demand grows.
Kgadima estimates that the investment could deliver up to 3 000 megawatts of generation capacity, a transformative jump for Rwanda’s energy sector. “It would open the door to data centres, cryptocurrency mining and other energy‑intensive industries,” he said.
He added that the IAEA’s involvement is essential. “Nuclear is the most regulated energy technology in the world. The IAEA’s guidance shows Rwanda is taking a prudent and responsible approach.”
–ChannelAfrica–
