Bugesera District could host Rwanda's planned Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST), with experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspecting the proposed site in Gashora as part of an ongoing review mission. The site was visited by IAEA experts, officials from the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB) and representatives of other institutions as part of the ongoing Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission for Research Reactors (INIR-RR). ALSO READ: Rwanda, Russian nuclear firm sign roadmap on small modular reactors RAEB announced the visit on Saturday, July 18, saying it formed part of the IAEA mission assessing Rwanda's preparedness to establish a research reactor programme. Rwanda is working plans to integrate nuclear energy into its long-term development strategy, with ambitions to generate up to 1.5 gigawatts of electricity from nuclear power by 2050. The government estimates that national demand could exceed 5,000 megawatts in the next 10 years, compared to the roughly 406 megawatts available. The proposed centre for nuclear science is expected to house a research reactor that will be used for scientific research, education and training, as well as applications of nuclear technology in healthcare, agriculture, industry and environmental protection. ALSO READ: What's next after Rwanda, Russia sign nuclear energy deal? The centre is one of the flagship projects under Rwanda's cooperation with Russia on the peaceful use of nuclear technology. It is expected to provide the technical expertise and institutional capacity needed as the country advances its long-term nuclear energy programme. Last month, Rwanda and Russia's state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, signed a roadmap on cooperation in the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), covering technical studies, workforce development and regulatory frameworks. ALSO READ: Nuclear energy: Why Rwanda is opting for small modular reactors The roadmap builds on an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2019, under which the two countries agreed to cooperate on the establishment of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology.
