en.Wedoany.com Reported - The first meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee on Nuclear Energy Cooperation between Rosatom and the Republic of Rwanda was held recently in Moscow, followed by the signing of a roadmap for the development of small modular reactor projects. The meeting was co-chaired by Kirill Komarov, First Deputy Director General for Development and International Business of Rosatom, and Dr. Lassina Zerbo, Energy Advisor to the President of the Republic of Rwanda and Chairman of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed progress in cooperation areas including nuclear power plant construction projects, non-energy applications of nuclear technology, the establishment of a Nuclear Science and Technology Center, human resource development, and national nuclear infrastructure development, and discussed issues related to regulatory support for the projects. According to statements from both sides, the signing of this roadmap signifies a shift in bilateral nuclear cooperation from framework arrangements to concrete project implementation.
Komarov stated that the Joint Coordination Committee meeting has brought nuclear energy cooperation between Russia and Rwanda into a more systematic phase. Both sides are moving from framework agreements to joint work in specific areas such as personnel training, nuclear infrastructure development, and small modular reactor projects. Rosatom is ready to provide continuous cooperation as Rwanda advances its nuclear program.
Zerbo stated that the approved roadmap builds on the foundation of cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy that began in 2018. Rwanda aims to integrate nuclear energy into its national energy mix by the early 2030s to meet the country's growing energy demand. He noted that advancing the nuclear program is not only about energy supply but also involves human capital, scientific capacity, and long-term national development.
During their visit to Russia, the Rwandan delegation also participated in the "Obninsk New 2026" International Youth Forum and visited Rosatom's machine-building plant in Podolsk.
Cooperation between Russia and Rwanda in the peaceful use of nuclear energy began with an intergovernmental agreement. On December 5, 2018, the two sides signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Moscow. In 2019, during the Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, they signed an agreement to build a Nuclear Science and Technology Center in Rwanda. The center is planned to include a 10 MW research reactor and a laboratory complex.
The Rwanda Atomic Energy Board is the government agency responsible for promoting the peaceful, safe, secure, and sustainable application of nuclear science and technology. It oversees the development and implementation of Rwanda's national nuclear program and promotes the application of nuclear technology in fields such as health, agriculture, energy, industry, mining, environmental protection, and scientific research, while adhering to international nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation standards.
