Mbabane – Eswatini is exploring the possibility of introducing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology as the country looks for ways to improve its energy security.
Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela, disclosed this while delivering Eswatini’s Country Statement at the 70th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, Austria.
The Minister said the country’s consideration of nuclear energy would be guided by its commitments to nuclear non-proliferation, safety, security and international safeguards.
Nuclear power on the table
Eswatini has been included in the IAEA’s RAF-2016 Project, which supports African countries in developing the capabilities and infrastructure required for potential nuclear power programmes.
Prince Lonkhokhela said the Kingdom remained committed to working with the IAEA to use nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes and national development.
The exploration of nuclear power forms part of the country’s wider cooperation with the IAEA, which covers healthcare, agriculture, water management and energy.
New nuclear regulator
The Kingdom is also strengthening its nuclear safety and regulatory framework through the establishment of an independent Nuclear Radiation Safety Regulatory Authority.
According to the Minister, Government is developing the policy and legislative framework for nuclear and radiation safety while allocating domestic resources towards the establishment and operation of the regulator.
He said the country’s nuclear activities would continue to be guided by safety, security and international safeguards.
Radiotherapy centre planned
Meanwhile, Eswatini is seeking further support for the development of its first public radiotherapy facility at Manzini Government Hospital.
With technical assistance from the IAEA, preliminary designs as well as environmental, social and geotechnical assessments for the facility have been completed.
The proposed radiotherapy centre is expected to cost approximately €10 million for construction and equipment.
Prince Lonkhokhela appealed for continued IAEA assistance through specialist fellowships and multidisciplinary training to ensure the country has the skills required to operate and sustain the facility.
Nuclear science enters agriculture
Eswatini is also applying nuclear techniques in agriculture, where early-maturing and high-yielding cowpea mutant lines have been developed.
The Kingdom has expressed interest in participating in the IAEA–FAO Atoms4Food Initiative, which promotes the use of nuclear and related technologies to improve food security and climate-smart agriculture.
Water security prioritised
Water security is another area of cooperation between Eswatini and the IAEA.
Eswatini is participating in the IAEA’s Water Availability Enhancement Initiative (IWAVE) and is working towards developing a National Hydrological Gap Plan.
Through the initiative, the country is receiving specialised equipment, technical training, scientific visits and isotope hydrology expertise to improve its ability to assess and manage water resources, including shared water resources.
IAEA pledges continued support
Following the delivery of the Country Statement, Prince Lonkhokhela held a bilateral meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in Vienna.
Grossi reaffirmed the IAEA’s readiness to assist Eswatini in establishing its nuclear regulatory body and training personnel responsible for nuclear and radiation safety.
He also confirmed continued IAEA support for the proposed radiotherapy facility and other peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
Eswatini to host regional energy week
Meanwhile, Eswatini is set to host the SADC Sustainable Energy Week from March 15 to 19, 2027.
Prince Lonkhokhela invited the IAEA Director General and his team to participate through exhibitions, technical engagements and speaking roles.
The event is expected to bring regional stakeholders together to discuss sustainable energy solutions and innovative technologies to address the region’s energy needs.
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