Russia to Build Nuclear Energy Plant in Rwanda
Rosatom has announced plans to expand its international operations, with Rwanda listed among a new group of countries that have signed agreements with the Russian nuclear energy giant for the development of nuclear power plants.
The announcement was made by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev during an interview with Russian media outlet Vesti, where he outlined the company’s growing global ambitions in the nuclear energy sector.
Likhachev said Russia continues to strengthen its position in the international nuclear market, noting that Rosatom has significantly expanded its competitiveness abroad.
“We have continued increasing our competitiveness on the international market and are entering foreign markets with greater strength,” he said. “Although it may sound surprising, we need to build nearly 40 power units inside Russia, and at the same time we currently have agreements for around 40 units abroad.”
The company is currently constructing 26 large power units and two small ones, while floating power units are also operational and receiving orders, Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev added.
Rosatom has also secured agreements to build nuclear power plants with Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Myanmar with negotiations in Indonesia just concluded, he said.
The growing cooperation between Rwanda and Russia in nuclear energy comes as Kigali continues efforts to expand electricity generation capacity and diversify its energy sources.
In 2024, Rwanda hosted an international conference on the use of nuclear energy in Africa, highlighting the country’s increasing interest in nuclear technology as part of its long-term energy strategy. Another international nuclear energy conference is scheduled to take place in Kigali next week.
