Dual Fluid and Rwanda Advance Demonstration Reactor Construction

The Canadian-German nuclear technology company Dual Fluid and the Government of Rwanda, represented by the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), have signed an agreement to collaborate on the development and construction of a demonstration reactor in Rwanda. This partnership involves Rwanda providing the site and infrastructure, while Dual Fluid is responsible for the technical implementation. The demonstration reactor is expected to be operational by 2026, with subsequent testing of the technology to be completed by 2028.

The Dual Fluid reactor design employs a novel nuclear fission principle, utilizing liquid fuel and a liquid lead coolant, engineered to operate at high temperatures of 1000°C. This approach aims to provide emission-free electricity and hydrogen, reduce energy costs, and utilize nuclear fuel with greater efficiency, potentially leading to a significant reduction in nuclear waste volume. Furthermore, the design is characterized by inherent safety features, including self-regulation.

Progress is supported by collaborations with academic and research institutions such as the Technical University of Dresden, Technical University of Munich, and the Paul Scherrer Institute. Dual Fluid has also established a laboratory in Berlin-Wedding for practical testing of fuel mixtures and reactor components. The coming years will reveal how the claims regarding efficiency, safety, and the broad applicability of high-temperature heat will manifest in practice, and how Rwandan scientists will benefit from the practical training in nuclear technology provided as part of the agreement.