Rwanda’s ambitious nuclear energy venture
With a rapidly growing population and a persistent energy deficit, Africa as a continent faces a dual challenge of ensuring reliable access to energy while contributing to global carbon-neutrality goals. Nuclear energy and in particular small modular and micro reactors (SMRs) can revolutionize the African energy landscape and promote sustainable development. Rwanda is among countries in East Africa keen to walk the path towards Nuclear Power Development. CNBC Africa’s Aby Agina spoke to Lassina Zerbo, Chairperson, Rwanda Atomic Energy Board for more.
Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:54:20 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- The misconceptions surrounding nuclear power in Africa, particularly related to safety and security, must be addressed to pave the way for sustainable development.
- Regional collaboration plays a crucial role in building nuclear capacity on the continent, with African nations like Ghana, Kenya, and Egypt already exploring nuclear technology.
- Nuclear energy is positioned to contribute significantly to Africa's energy security, economic growth, industrialization, and climate resilience, offering a pathway for leapfrogging in development.
Rwanda, a country in East Africa, is among the nations taking bold steps towards embracing nuclear energy to address its persistent energy deficit and contribute to global carbon-neutrality goals. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Lassina Zerbo, Chairperson of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, highlighted the misconceptions surrounding nuclear power in Africa and the importance of regional collaboration in building nuclear capacity on the continent. Zerbo emphasized the role of nuclear energy in Africa's broader energy security and climate agenda matrix, underscoring its potential to drive economic growth, industrialization, and climate resilience. As African economies strive for energy security and reliability, nuclear energy emerges as a key player in reshaping the energy landscape of the continent. Zerbo also discussed Africa's evolving role in the global nuclear energy and security conversation, highlighting the region's ambitions and the need for partnerships to ensure safe and secure nuclear energy development. The interview shed light on Rwanda's nuclear energy aspirations, challenging misconceptions and emphasizing the transformative potential of nuclear power in Africa's sustainable development journey.