AfDB’s US$24 million to Kivuwatt

“We provided US$24 million for the KivuWatt Project and allocated US$45 million to Rwanda, which is among the five countries with high energy needs. We also intend to allocate to Rwanda US$30 million for this sector,” the official said. AfDB is also interested in taking part in Rusizi and Rusumo dam projects.

“We have a regional budget and we work with various other institutions for technical assistance,” said the AfDB official. 

As for the prospects, Rwanda is to produce 1000 MW by 2017. “This energy will be generated from 330 sites of hydro, methane gas, solar energy and wind,” said the EWSA Director General.

He added that the agency will encourage energy-saving lamps, of which 800,000 are already installed, and 400,000 have been ordered. The private sector is encouraged to provide these bulbs in stores. 

“There are also seven local companies that been trained on solar water heaters. We have 1,200 good quality lamps. We want to reduce the consumption of our users,” he said.

During the exchange, participants expressed need to know if regional interconnection does exist to facilitate the sale of energy to other countries.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Albert Nsengiyumva, had the opportunity to clarify. “We have power networks that traverse across borders and transmit the excess energy not consumed. The standard example is Ethiopia connected to Kenya. But we will have to ensure regulation at regional level. “