Rwanda - World Nuclear Outlook Report
Nuclear policy and outlook
Rwanda’s strategy centres on small modular reactors (SMRs), with first operation envisaged in the early 2030s and nuclear supplying 60-70% of electricity in the long term. The Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB) has estimated this could equate with a nuclear capacity of 1500 MWe by 2050.
The programme advanced during 2026. In May Rwanda signed a development agreement with Holtec for SMR-300 deployment, a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the USA, and a cooperation agreement with the IAEA. In July Rwanda also signed an SMR cooperation roadmap with Rosatom. In September the government said that approval of two sites was underway and that 110 MWe of nuclear generation was expected between 2030 and 2033.
Table Rw.1 Contributions to total capacity projection in 2050 (gross)
| 60 year operation (MWe) | 80 year operation (MWe) | Currently under construction capacity (MWe) | Planned capacity (MWe) | Proposed capacity (MWe) | Potential capacity (MWe) | Government capacity target (MWe) | Additional capacity* required to meet government target (MWe) | Total capacity (MWe) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - | 1500 | - | 1500 |
| *Capacity additional to operable, under construction, planned, proposed and potential capacities required to meet the government target. | ||||||||
Readiness Assessment
Rwanda's objectives for first nuclear generation by 2030-2033 are unrealistic, given the status of its nuclear programme. Its longer-term objectives depend on a significant expansion of its electricity network and infrastructure.
| Country Category | Candidate |
|---|---|
| Policy Framework Readiness | Low Nuclear is incorporated into national energy strategy and the government has articulated a goal of nuclear supplying 60-70% of Rwanda's electricity in the long-term.. |
| Institutional & Infrastructure Readiness | Low-Moderate The RAEB and the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) provide programme and regulatory structures. RURA signed or renewed cooperation arrangements with regulators in Russia, Egypt, Benin and Morocco in September 2026. The nuclear law remains in draft and full power reactor regulatory capability is incomplete. |
| Programme & Project Development Readiness | Low-Moderate Agreements with Holtec, Rosatom and the USA, as well as Rwanda's research reactor programme represent initial progress. However, there is no clear proposal for a first project. |
| Target Achievability | Low A first reactor in the early 2030s is very unlikely. Nuclear capacity of 1500 MWe supplying 60-70% by 2050 would only be possible if electricity infrastructure grows significantly. |