Rwanda Seeks to Boost Solar Power Capacity to 30 Megawatts

Strategic Insights -

Rwanda, a landlocked East African country, is set to increase its solar power generation capacity by establishing a new plant with a capacity of 30 megawatts (MW). The current largest solar power plant in the country, located in the Rwamagana District, produces 8.5 MW, while a 5.1 MW solar plant is under development to supply power to a vaccine facility in Kigali. The country's overall electricity generation capacity stands at 406.4 MW, which needs to increase to 556 MW within the next five years to meet the objectives outlined in Vision 2050. Rwanda's Ministry of Infrastructure has noted that the current solar capacity represents only a small fraction of total generation, and there is scope for increasing its contribution.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rwanda aims to establish a new solar power plant with a capacity of 30 MW.
  • The country's current largest solar power plant produces 8.5 MW and is located in the Rwamagana District.
  • A 5.1 MW solar plant is under development to supply power to BioNTech's mRNA vaccine facility in Kigali.
  • Rwanda's overall electricity generation capacity currently stands at 406.4 MW and needs to increase to 556 MW within the next five years.
  • The country plans to invest Rwf100 billion in the development of solar power, aiming to generate 30 MW by the 2029/30 fiscal year and an additional 20 MW by 2034/35.
  • Rwanda has considerable solar energy potential in parts of the country, particularly in the Eastern and Southern Provinces.
  • The Ministry of Infrastructure has outlined several actions required to implement the new energy policy, including supporting hybrid solar and storage technologies and offering incentives to promote local production.
  • Rwanda wants renewable energy to account for 60% of its total energy generation by 2030.

Statistics:

  • Total potential capacity of Rwanda's energy sources: 650-700 MW.
  • Current solar power generation in Rwanda: 12 MW (as of 2023/24 fiscal year).
  • Planned increase in solar power capacity: 30 MW by 2029/30 fiscal year and an additional 20 MW by 2034/35.
  • Total investment required for solar power development: Rwf100 billion.
  • Renewable energy target for Rwanda: 60% of total energy generation by 2030.

Sources:

  • [The New Times: "Rwanda Seeks to Boost Solar Power Capacity to 30 Megawatts"]
  • [Government of Rwanda's new energy policy document released in February]