Alice Umutesi<\/b><\/p>\n
Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>One may wonder: Can Rwanda really build a nuclear power plant? I mean, it\u2019s a small, landlocked country, is it really possible? That\u2019s the question I kept asking myself throughout my trip to Russia.<\/p>\n In September, I had the privilege of attending World Atomic Week in Moscow, Russia, organised by Rosatom, the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation. My trip was fully sponsored by Rosatom and, to my pleasant surprise, everything \u2013 from visa processing to logistics \u2013 went smoothly.<\/p>\n Journalists tour the central control room at the world\u2019s first nuclear power plant (NPP) in Obninsk, Russia.<\/p>\n After more than 13 hours of travel, I finally arrived in Moscow on Monday, September 22, where I met fellow journalists from across Africa \u2014 including Namibia, Ghana, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Africa.<\/p>\n First impressions of Russia<\/p>\n The first day felt like a dream. Growing up watching Western movies, I never imagined Russia to be this beautiful. During the nearly three-hour drive to our hotel, I was exhausted but couldn\u2019t bring myself to close my eyes. I wanted to take in every sight.<\/p>\n The iconic Red Square in Moscow.<\/p>\n When we finally reached our hotel, the rest of the day was reserved for rest and relaxation.<\/p>\n On the next day, which I now remember as the coldest day of my life, we toured Moscow with two guides. We visited the historic Red Square \u2013 a UNESCO World Heritage and symbolic center of Russia, admired its striking architecture, and learned about the Kremlin, an imposing complex that is Russia\u2019s political and historical heart. We also enjoyed a one-hour boat cruise on the Moscow River, an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n A sampling of authentic Russian cuisine.<\/p>\n Visiting the world\u2019s first nuclear power plant<\/p>\n On Wednesday, we travelled to Obninsk, a city known as the \u201cFirst City of Science\u201d in modern Russia and the birthplace of the peaceful atom. It\u2019s home to the World\u2019s First Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). From the outside, the plant looks nothing like an industrial facility, more like a city hall or cultural center. But underground, it extends 17.5 meters deep, housing steam generators, circulation pumps, and pipelines.<\/p>\n We visited the central control room and the reactor hall, where the reactor lid sits at zero level.<\/p>\n Scenic view from a boat cruise along the Moscow River.<\/p>\n Later, we were treated to traditional Russian cuisine, simple and healthy.<\/p>\n World Atomic Week begins<\/p>\n Thursday was the opening of World Atomic Week, attended by over 20,000 people from more than 118 countries. The event also celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Russian nuclear industry. Despite feeling unwell due to the cold, I was excited.<\/p>\n A ballet dancer performs during the gala dinner. All photos by Alice Umutesi.<\/p>\n After that visit to the world\u2019s first nuclear power plant, I recalled that Rwanda was exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which sparked my curiosity.<\/p>\n During a break, I met Lassina Zerbo, the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), and couldn\u2019t help but ask: \u201cRwanda is small and already relies on solar and hydropower, why nuclear?\u201d<\/p>\n Journalists tour the central control room at the world\u2019s first nuclear power plant (NPP) in Obninsk, Russia.<\/p>\n He replied, \u201cShow me one big industry that runs entirely on solar.\u201d<\/p>\n Zerbo explained that industrialisation cannot depend on intermittent energy sources like solar or wind. If Rwanda wants to leapfrog in socio-economic development, he explained, we need a stable, reliable, and clean source of energy. \u201cThat\u2019s where nuclear comes in,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Tourists explore Moscow\u2019s historic Red Square.<\/p>\n Rwanda aims to have its first reactor by the early 2030s, in line with the country\u2019s growing energy needs, he added. Still curious, I asked about safety, knowing that nuclear power plants require strict measures to protect surrounding communities.<\/p>\n Zerbo explained that, unlike traditional nuclear power plants, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are smaller, require less space, and can be safely integrated even in compact countries like Rwanda.<\/p>\n On Friday, I attended a session titled \u201cNeutron flux symphony as a score of progress: How a research reactor \u2018sounds\u2019 in daily life.\u201d There, Fidele Ndahayo, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), explained why Rwanda is preparing to establish a mini nuclear facility.<\/p>\n The project will support industrial growth, enhance agricultural productivity, and train the next generation of scientists, he said.<\/p>\n Journalists from across Africa pose for a group photo on Tuesday, September 23, during the first day of the Moscow Tour \u2014 part of World Atomic Week held from September 25\u201326.<\/p>\n Later that day, during a press conference, Kirill Komarov, the First Deputy Director General at Rosatom, emphasised Africa\u2019s growing energy demand: \u201cAbout 750 million people in Africa still lack permanent access to electricity. The continent needs stable and affordable power. Nuclear energy can help close that gap.\u201d<\/p>\n He noted that Africa has only two nuclear power plants, one in operation in South Africa and another under construction in Egypt, which he said is far too few. \u201cNuclear power in Africa must grow much more,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He quoted President Vladimir Putin, who has spoken against technological colonialism, the dependence on foreign powers for technology solutions.<\/p>\n A night to remember<\/p>\n The day concluded with a spectacular gala night featuring ballet performances, Russian singers, and a taste of the country\u2019s finest cuisine.<\/p>\n It was truly a night to remember.<\/p>\n Before I conclude, here\u2019s a bit of advice: if you ever plan to visit Russia, learn a few basic Russian phrases. It makes the experience so much easier.<\/p>\n So, thank you to the Rosatom team for opening my eyes beyond borders.<\/p>\n I returned home with a renewed perspective; not only about Russia, but also about the possibilities that lie ahead for Rwanda\u2019s future in nuclear energy.<\/p>\n\r\n