Rwanda signs agreement with NANO Nuclear

NANO Nuclear said the MoU establishes a framework under which it will work alongside the RAEB to facilitate the introduction and eventual integration of small modular reactors and microreactors such as its ZEUS solid core battery reactor and ODIN low-pressure coolant reactor - throughout Rwanda.

NANO Nuclear will also be responsible for enabling the development of Rwanda's entire ecosystem of nuclear energy systems. This includes providing technical assistance, training and educational programmes to develop the country's technical expertise in the nuclear energy industry. The company said it will implement strategies to strengthen Rwanda's educational programmes, in collaboration with the UK's Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, to "foster the responsible and safe development of a self-sustaining domestic nuclear energy industry".

"Our MoU with NANO Nuclear once again highlights Rwanda's commitment to being a proof-of-concept destination as a strategy to accelerate the integration of innovative technologies and build a knowledge-based economy,” said RAEB CEO Fidele Ndahayo. "SMR technologies are now being developed, and Rwanda wishes to be part of the development process. This will position us well to embrace the technology when it becomes available on the market. This is a valuable opportunity for education and training, resulting in technology transfer and innovation."

Lassina Zerbo, chairman of NANO Nuclear's Executive Advisory Board for Africa, added: "This framework agreement between NANO Nuclear and the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board will usher in a new era of innovation in nuclear energy for the country. It is also a benchmark for the Republic of Rwanda and serves to demonstrate to the international community the country’s ambitions to be a leader in advanced nuclear technologies."

"NANO Nuclear is seeking to be a global force for a future of clean, sustainable energy, and so we are delighted for this opportunity to support one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa," said NANO Nuclear Founder and Chairman Jay Yu. "The Republic of Rwanda's government and the RAEB are committed to positioning the country as a leader in the continent's continued growth and development."

"This memorandum is a testament to the Republic of Rwanda's strategic commitment to long-term energy abundance, and it is incredibly rewarding to know that the work we will be doing here will have a positive impact on the people of Rwanda," said NANO Nuclear CEO and Head of Reactor Development James Walker. "Through our educational initiatives and by enabling the country to harness the numerous benefits that advanced nuclear energy technologies will bring, we are proud to contribute to Rwanda's future."

NANO Nuclear - set up in April 2022 - is developing the ZEUS and ODIN reactors. Its Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc subsidiary is aiming to build a North American transportation company to provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies and other customers, while its HALEU Energy Fuel Inc subsidiary is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a HALEU fuel fabrication pipeline.

Rwanda has been looking towards nuclear energy for some time, signing an intergovernmental agreement with Russia on the use of nuclear energy in 2018, followed by two memorandums of cooperation on education and personnel training and on developing public acceptance of nuclear energy. RAEB, which is intended to coordinate research and development of nuclear energy activities in the country, was established by the Rwandan government in 2020.

In September 2023, RAEB signed an agreement with Canadian-German nuclear company Dual Fluid to collaborate on the development of a demonstration Dual Fluid nuclear reactor in Rwanda. The Rwandan government agreed to provide the site and infrastructure for the project, while Dual Fluid is responsible for the technical implementation of the partnership. The demonstration reactor is expected to be operational by 2026.