MOSCOW — Rwanda is turning to nuclear energy through small modular reactors (SMRs) as it seeks to accelerate industrialisation and secure a stable power supply for its growing economy.

Lassina Zerbo, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, said this on the sidelines of the World Atomic Week, the largest global gathering dedicated to nuclear and related industries, held in Moscow, Russia, from September 25–28.

“People ask me, ‘Rwanda has solar power and hydropower, so why nuclear?’ My answer is simple—show me one big industry that runs entirely on solar. Industrialisation cannot rely on intermittent sources like solar or wind,” Zerbo told The New Times.

“If Rwanda wants to leapfrog in socio-economic development, we need a stable, reliable, and clean source of energy. That’s where nuclear comes in.”

While most SMRs are still under development globally, Rwanda is already working to build local expertise. 

According to Zerbo, the goal is to have the first reactor by the early 2030s, timed to meet the growing energy demand.

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