Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Rwanda recently inked an agreement with the German-Canadian start-up Dual Fluid Energy to construct an experimental civil nuclear reactor, a move aimed at reducing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. This nuclear reactor is anticipated to be in the testing phase by 2026, as per the assertions of Dual Fluid Energy’s CEO, Gotz Ruprecht.
These reactors, as highlighted by Ruprecht during a press conference held in Kigali, possess the versatile ability to generate electricity, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels, all at a notably lower cost compared to conventional fossil fuels. The Rwandan government’s strategic shift towards incorporating nuclear power signifies a shift towards acquiring a stable and dependable source of electricity. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of diminishing dependence on hydrocarbon-based energy sources while satisfying the surging energy requirements of the nation, explained Infrastructure Minister Ernest Nsabimama.
It’s worth noting that Rwanda had entered into an agreement back in 2019 to construct nuclear power plants in collaboration with Russia’s Federal Atomic Energy Agency Rosatom, which had sparked strong opposition due to security concerns. Frank Habineza, the leader of the principal opposition party, the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, expressed apprehension regarding the accord with Dual Fluid Energy, asserting its potentially perilous nature. He drew a parallel between the objectives of Dual Fluid Energy’s project and the Rwandan government’s 2019 venture with Russia, deeming them remarkably similar.
However, proponents of the new initiative stress that the test reactor is relatively diminutive and contains minimal nuclear material, thereby posing no imminent threat to the environment. Both the Rwanda Atomic Energy Office and Dual Fluid Energy jointly issued a statement to assuage concerns about the project’s safety.
While South Africa stands as the sole African nation with a civil nuclear program, boasting two reactors in operation for over three decades, Rwanda’s latest partnership with Dual Fluid Energy signals its ambition to explore the potential of nuclear energy as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
