RWANDA – Rwanda is making progress in the development of the necessary infrastructure for a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power program, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The assessment was released on Thursday following a recent review of the country’s progress by a team from the agency conducted at the request of the government.

Rwanda plans to supply 60% – 70% of its power from nuclear energy long-term, according to officials.

The country expects its first small modular reactor to be operational by the early 2030s.

In its assessment, the IAEA said the review team noted the progress made in the areas of drafting a new comprehensive nuclear law, initiating work to enhance the regulatory framework for a nuclear power program, conducting site surveys and identifying candidate sites for the planned small modular reactor project.

Mehmet Ceyhan, technical lead of the IAEA nuclear infrastructure development section and team leader for the mission, said the level of preparation and involvement from all participating organizations and teams during the mission reflected a deep commitment to the program.