nuclear-news

Rwanda: Opposition grows to Russian-backed nuclear plants
Lawmaker voices fears about safety of nuclear plants in densely populated Rwanda, but top official says nuclear is inevitable.     KIGALI, Rwanda, 29 Nov 20, Plans by the tiny landlocked African country of Rwanda to build nuclear reactors with Russian help are facing stiff opposition in the country.

Frank Habineza, a lawmaker and member of the Democratic Green Party, has warned that nuclear energy could do the country more harm than good.

“Living near a nuclear energy plant is like living near a nuclear bomb which can explode and cause destruction of life and property to the nation and its neighboring countries,” he said.

He said in light of Rwanda’s high population density, there is no place to set up the plant without compromising the safety of Rwandans and their neighbors.

After Russian state-owned nuclear company Rosatom Global reached an agreement last year to set up the plant by 2024, the Rwandan cabinet approved establishment of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board – an institution to coordinate nuclear science and technology activities in the country.

In December 2018, Rwanda and Russia agreed on a roadmap for an inter-governmental agreement on the use of nuclear energy……

After Russian state-owned nuclear company Rosatom Global reached an agreement last year to set up the plant by 2024, the Rwandan cabinet approved establishment of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board – an institution to coordinate nuclear science and technology activities in the country.

In December 2018, Rwanda and Russia agreed on a roadmap for an inter-governmental agreement on the use of nuclear energy.

…………. Experts say, however, it takes 10 years and billions of dollars to commission a nuclear power station.

They argue that off-grid renewable projects are safer than nuclear energy, as they do not involve environmentally hazardous radioactive waste, and no huge financial costs are incurred in connection to the national grid.

Experts raise concerns

Lawmaker Habineza said nuclear energy is an old technology with proven risks to the environment. He said many developed nations such as Germany and Sweden are de-nuclearizing due to the dangers involved.

“Nuclear waste and water pollution from a nuclear plant would cause serious environmental challenge to the country, its neighbors, and the world at large,” he argued.

“More than that, raw materials needed to operate the nuclear center, such as uranium, emit harmful levels of radiation, which pose a great risk to the population and the environment.”….. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/rwanda-opposition-grows-to-russian-backed-nuclear-plants/2059467