Saint Petersburg, Russia — A team of Zambian and Zimbabwean physics scholars studying at the National Research Nuclear University (MEPhI) in Moscow have presented groundbreaking research on the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to solve Southern Africa’s persistent energy crisis.
The paper, titled “Future Applications of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Integration with Hybrid Energy Systems to Address Energy Challenges in Southern Africa”, was presented at the XI International Scientific and Practical Conference of Young Scientists and Specialists of the Nuclear Industry (Команда 2025), held in Saint Petersburg under the auspices of Rosatom, the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation.
The researchers — Timothy Mwape and his 3 Zimbabweans scholars highlighted how SMRs, when combined with renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro, could provide scalable, reliable, and sustainable power to the region.
Southern Africa currently struggles with rolling blackouts, an aging coal fleet, and over-dependence on hydroelectric power, which has been severely constrained by declining water levels at the Kariba Dam. According to the scholars, SMRs offer a promising alternative, particularly Russia’s RITM-series reactors, which have already been successfully deployed in icebreakers and adapted for land-based projects.
> “With the right policies, investments, and regional cooperation, SMRs could transform Southern Africa’s energy landscape — stabilizing the grid, supporting economic growth, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” the team concluded in their presentation.
They acknowledged that financial constraints, regulatory readiness, public perception, and workforce development remain key hurdles. However, they stressed that regional adoption of SMR-based hybrid systems — supported by institutions such as the Southern African Power Pool — could pave the way toward energy security and independence.
The conference brought together young scientists and nuclear specialists from across the globe to showcase innovative research, reinforcing Rosatom’s role as a global leader in advancing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
Ministry of Technology and Science – Zambia
Ministry of Energy – Zambia
Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board – Zambia