Russia and Rwanda sign roadmap for joint development of small modular reactors and nuclear infrastructure

Type: Partnership · Technology: Nuclear · Country: Rwanda · Announced: 2026-07-01

Rosatom and the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board signed a roadmap for joint work on small modular reactors (SMRs) during the first meeting of the Joint Coordinating Committee on cooperation in the field of the use of nuclear energy in Moscow. The agreement builds on a 2018 intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Rwanda for peaceful nuclear cooperation, which previously led to plans for a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Rwanda. The roadmap outlines concrete tracks including training national personnel, developing nuclear infrastructure, and deploying SMR projects. Rwanda aims to include nuclear power in its energy mix by the early 2030s to address growing energy demand, with Rosatom positioned as a key partner throughout the program. The partnership follows Rwanda's 2019 agreement with Rosatom for a 10 MW research reactor and laboratories as part of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology. Additionally, Rwanda is exploring up to 5 GW of SMR-300 capacity with Holtec International through a separate development agreement signed earlier in 2026.

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