Zimbabwe has taken a significant step toward diversifying its energy sector with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Centre for Education, Innovation, Research and Development (CEIRD) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP). The agreement will see both parties conduct a preliminary feasibility study on the deployment of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in the country, marking a potential turning point in Zimbabwe’s energy strategy.
Under the MoU, CEIRD and KHNP will assess the suitability of KHNP’s Innovative Small Modular Reactor (i-SMR) for Zimbabwe, with a focus on technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and integration into the national power grid. The collaboration also includes a capacity-building component, where Zimbabwean experts in nuclear science and engineering will receive specialized training, alongside the sharing of technical knowledge to strengthen local expertise.
KHNP President Hwang Joo-ho highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership for both Zimbabwe and the company. “Through this business agreement, we hope Zimbabwe will accelerate its energy diversification and find sustainable energy solutions through SMRs,” he said. Hwang further noted that the collaboration would reinforce KHNP’s footprint in Africa, opening doors for future projects across the continent.
Zimbabwe’s current energy mix is heavily reliant on hydropower and thermal generation plants, which have faced significant challenges in recent years. Climate change has disrupted hydropower production, while ageing thermal infrastructure has struggled to meet growing demand. The government is therefore seeking alternative energy solutions to ensure a reliable supply and support economic growth, particularly under its Vision 2030 framework, which emphasizes science, technology, and industrialization as drivers of development.
The i-SMR technology, unveiled by KHNP at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai in December 2023, is a 170 MWe pressurized water reactor designed for efficiency and flexibility. According to KHNP, the small modular reactor can be constructed in half the time and at roughly one-third of the cost of conventional large-scale nuclear plants. The company expects to finalize the i-SMR design by the end of this year, with regulatory approvals targeted for 2028. Once operational, SMRs could provide Zimbabwe with a reliable, low-carbon source of electricity while reducing dependence on hydropower and fossil fuels.
For Zimbabwe, the potential benefits of adopting SMRs are considerable. Smaller reactors can be deployed incrementally, allowing the country to scale its nuclear capacity according to demand without committing to massive upfront investment. Additionally, the partnership with KHNP is expected to create local employment opportunities in high-tech sectors and stimulate research and innovation in nuclear science, aligning with broader national development priorities.
Zimbabwe Signs Nuclear Energy Partnership to Explore Small Modular Reactors
CEIRD, established in 2020, is the government’s central hub for coordinating research, innovation, and technological development across universities, colleges, and the industrial sector. Operating under the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 policy, CEIRD aims to translate scientific knowledge and engineering education into practical innovations that contribute to national growth. By partnering with KHNP, the organization seeks to leverage international expertise to strengthen Zimbabwe’s capacity to manage advanced nuclear technology safely and sustainably.
The partnership also underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to expanding its energy portfolio beyond traditional sources. With hydropower affected by recurrent droughts and thermal plants constrained by fuel shortages and outdated equipment, nuclear energy presents a strategic option to meet future energy needs while supporting environmental goals. Officials believe that small modular reactors could complement other renewable energy initiatives, creating a diversified and resilient energy system capable of supporting industrial development, urbanization, and rural electrification.
While the project is still in its early stages, analysts have praised Zimbabwe’s approach as forward-looking. By integrating technical feasibility studies, expert training, and knowledge transfer, the country is positioning itself to adopt cutting-edge energy technology responsibly. The initiative is also expected to foster stronger ties with South Korea, a global leader in nuclear engineering, providing Zimbabwe with access to advanced technology, safety protocols, and regulatory best practices.
As the feasibility study progresses, stakeholders will closely monitor technical, financial, and regulatory aspects to ensure that the adoption of SMRs aligns with national priorities and international safety standards. If successful, the partnership between CEIRD and KHNP could pave the way for a new era of sustainable and reliable energy in Zimbabwe, supporting both economic growth and the country’s Vision 2030 ambitions.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s MoU with KHNP represents a milestone in the country’s energy strategy, combining innovation, international collaboration, and capacity building. By exploring small modular nuclear reactors, the nation aims to create a modern, diversified, and sustainable energy landscape that addresses current challenges while positioning itself for long-term development.
Source- Bulawayo24
