Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, has signed a contract with the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia to develop a feasibility study for the construction of a Nuclear Science and Technology Centre (NSTC) in Ethiopia. The agreement marks a major step in the growing collaboration between Russia and Ethiopia in the field of peaceful nuclear energy use.
Ilya Vergizaev, divisional head of Rosatom, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, “We are working with our foreign partners on various projects and joint solutions for the development of nuclear and radiation technologies on the African continent. The signed contract and the appointment of Rosatom as the exclusive supplier for the feasibility study development underscore our countries’ long-term cooperative ambitions.”
The first phase of the project will involve analyzing Ethiopia’s non-energy sectors, identifying technological needs that can be addressed through the Centre. A list of potential users for these technologies will also be compiled, aiming to create a market for commercial products and services based on the Centre’s developments. Additionally, preliminary engineering surveys will be conducted to determine suitable locations for the NSTC’s construction.
Minister of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia, Belete Molla, emphasized the importance of the partnership, noting that the two countries are systematically enhancing their cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. He expressed confidence that Rosatom would support Ethiopia in the development of its national nuclear power and non-energy programmes, alongside individual projects.
Rosatom’s proposal for the Nuclear Science and Technology Centre includes a research reactor, laboratory complexes, and a multi-purpose irradiation and nuclear medicine centre. The NSTC will also support the establishment of nuclear infrastructure, training, fuel supply, maintenance, operational support, and management of spent fuel and radioactive waste.
Rosatom’s integrated solution includes several specialized laboratories, including a radioisotope laboratory for medical, industrial, and agricultural applications, a radiobiology laboratory for agricultural research, and a radiation materials science complex to study and develop new materials. These facilities will play a critical role in Ethiopia’s development of nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes.
Rosatom is a leading diversified energy and engineering conglomerate, which operates more than 450 enterprises worldwide. It is the largest producer of low-carbon electricity in Russia, generating 20% of the country’s total electricity, and holds the largest portfolio globally for nuclear power plant construction. With 39 nuclear power units under construction in 10 countries, Rosatom is a key player in the global nuclear energy sector.