Rwanda's power sector is dominated by hydropower, which accounts for over 90% of the country's electricity generation. The country also has a small thermal power plant and a number of solar and mini-hydropower plant. On the other hand, Rwanda's energy sector is also dominated by biomass, which accounts for over 80% of the country's energy consumption. The country also uses some electricity, imported petroleum products and solar energy. Rwanda's power and energy sector is still under development, but it is making significant progress. The government is committed to improving the sector, and it is playing an increasingly important role in the country's economic development.

1. UNIT 15:
POWER AND ENERGY IN
RWANDA

2. OBJECTIVES
By the end of this unit, you should be
able to:
1. Recall the forms of energy used in
Rwanda and the difference between
renewable and non renewable
energy.
2. State factors favouring power
production in Rwanda.
3. Give the importance of power and
energy in Rwanda.
4. Identify the factors that hinder the
potential exploitation of rivers in
Rwanda in production of power and
energy

3. "Have you ever wondered how we get the energy we use to light our homes,
run our appliances, and power our cars?
Energy is all around us, but have you ever stopped to consider where it
comes from?
Today, we will be exploring the major sources and forms of energy used in
Rwanda, both renewable and non-renewable, and the factors that favour
power production in the country.
As we go through this lesson, think about how energy impacts our lives, and
how we can use this knowledge to create a more sustainable future for
Rwanda and the world.

4. INTRODUCTI
ON
Energy is power derived from the utilization
of physical or chemical resources,
especially to provide light and heat or to
work machines.
Rwanda has made significant progress in
the power and energy sector in recent
years. The government has set ambitious
targets to achieve universal access to
electricity by 2024 and to increase the
share of renewable energy in the country's
energy mix.
Rwanda's total installed capacity for
electricity generation is currently about 286
MW, with most of the electricity coming
from hydropower (about 200 MW) and
thermal power (about 86 MW).

5. 1. What is the definition of
energy?
A. The ability to do work
B. The ability to provide light and
heat
C. Power derived from physical
resources
D. Power derived from chemical
resources
2. What are Rwanda's targets for
the power and energy sector?
A. Achieving universal access to
electricity by 2024
B. Increasing the share of non-
renewable energy in the
country's energy mix
C. Decreasing the share of
renewable energy in the
country's energy mix
D. Increasing the country's total
installed capacity for electricity
generation to 500 MW
3. What is Rwanda's current total
installed capacity for electricity
generation?
A. 200 MW
B. 286 MW
C. 500 MW
D. 86 MW
4. Which sources of power are
currently used the most to
generate electricity in Rwanda?
A. Solar and wind power
B. Hydropower and thermal power
C. Nuclear power and geothermal
power
D. Biomass and tidal power
5. What is the main source of
electricity in Rwanda?
A. Thermal power
B. Biomass
C. Solar power
D. Hydropower
7. Why is it important for Rwanda
to increase the share of
renewable energy in its energy
mix?
A. Renewable energy is cheaper
than non-renewable energy
B. Renewable energy sources are
more abundant in Rwanda
C. Non-renewable energy sources
will eventually run out
D. Renewable energy sources are
less reliable than non-
renewable energy sources

6. Major sources of energy used in Rwanda

7. MAJOR SOURCES OF ENERGY USED IN
RWANDA
There are two major types of sources of energy:
Renewable sources of energy: they are sources
which cannot be exhausted when they are
exploited. Examples:
• Hydroelectricity,
• Solar energy,
• Geothermal energy,
• Biofuel, etc.
Non –renewable sources of energy: they are
exhaustible sources; they cannot be replaced
when exhausted. Examples:
• Coal,
• Natural gas,
• Oil,
• Firewood
Firewood Coal
Solar energy

8. 1. Which of the following is
a renewable source of
energy?
A. Coal
B. Solar energy
C. Oil
D. Natural gas
2. What type of energy
source is coal?
A. Renewable
B. Non-renewable
C. Both renewable and
non-renewable
D. None of the above
3. Which of the following is
an example of a non-
renewable source of
energy?
A. Hydroelectricity
B. Geothermal energy
C. Firewood
D. Natural gas
4. Which of the following
cannot be replaced when
exhausted?
A. Hydroelectricity
B. Natural gas
C. Geothermal energy
D. Solar energy
5. Which of the following is
a type of biofuel?
A. Coal
B. Natural gas
C. Firewood
D. None of the above
6. Which of the following is
not a renewable source of
energy?
A. Solar energy
B. Biofuel
C. Geothermal energy
D. Oil
Exercises

9. FIREWOOD AND CHARCOAL
Firewood is a primary source of energy for
cooking and heating in Rwanda, particularly in
rural areas where access to other sources of
energy such as electricity and gas is limited. In
fact, according to the Rwanda Energy Group
(REG), approximately 82% of Rwanda's
population uses firewood as their primary source
of cooking energy.
1. The REG estimates that approximately 82%
of the country's total wood consumption is
used for energy purposes, and this has
contributed to a decline in forest cover and
biodiversity loss.
2. In recent years, the government of Rwanda
has implemented several initiatives aimed at
promoting the use of alternative sources of
energy such as biogas and solar energy, in
order to reduce the reliance on firewood and
promote sustainable energy use.

10. What percentage of Rwanda's population uses firewood as their primary source of cooking energy?
A. 10%
B. 50%
C. 82%
D. 100%
What are some of the environmental implications of Rwanda's high reliance on firewood for energy?
A. Increased biodiversity and forest cover
B. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
C. Deforestation and environmental degradation
D. Improved air quality
What initiatives has the government of Rwanda implemented to reduce the reliance on firewood for energy?
A. Promotion of biogas and solar energy
B. Establishment of coal power plants
C. Increased deforestation for energy purposes
D. None of the above
Exercises

11. SOLAR ENERGY
Rwanda has made significant progress in the
adoption of solar energy in recent years,
particularly in rural areas where access to
electricity is limited. According to the Rwanda
Energy Group (REG), approximately 10% of
Rwanda's population had access to electricity in
2019, and this figure was higher in urban areas
(44%) than in rural areas (3%).
Advantages of Using Solar energy
• It is generated by sun’s rays that reach the
solar boards which convert them in electricity.
• It is the renewable, cheap and clean power
without pollution.
• It is relatively simple to operate and maintain

12. Bbox Technician installing Solar Panel in
Rural Rwanda

13. The project is built on land owned by the Agahozo-
Shalom Youth Village. The solar field is linked to a
central server in Oslo and can be monitored remotely
via the internet

14. What percentage of Rwanda's rural population had access to electricity in 2019?
A. 3%
B. 10%
C. 44%
D. 100%
Which of the following is not an advantage of using solar energy?
A. It is renewable
B. It is cheap and clean
C. It is complicated to operate and maintain
D. It does not generate pollution
How is solar energy generated?
A. By burning fossil fuels
B. By harnessing the wind
C. By converting sun's rays into electricity using solar panels
D. By harnessing the heat from the Earth's core
Exercises

15. BIOGAS
It is a gas generated from human and livestock
wastes as well as biodegradable household wastes.
Biogas in Rwanda is used in prisons, schools,
hospitals and some homesteads for cooking and
lightning.
Advantages of biogas
• It reduces the hygienic problems because it does
not give fumes and ash.
• The use of biogas reduces the use of fuel wood
and hence reduces the rate of deforestation
• It is a renewable resource because its raw
material (human or animal waste) is generate
everyday and cannot be depleted
• It does not require sophisticated technology like
the other sources of energy
• The remaining materials after generation of
biogas are used as manure to fertilize the soil.

17. What is biogas?
A. A gas generated from burning fossil fuels
B. A gas generated from human and livestock wastes
C. A gas generated from wind power
D. A gas generated from solar power
Where is biogas used in Rwanda?
A. Only in urban areas
B. Only in rural areas
C. In prisons, schools, hospitals, and some
homesteads
D. In factories and industries only
What is one advantage of using biogas?
A. It causes hygienic problems due to fumes and ash
B. It increases the use of fuel wood and deforestation
C. It requires sophisticated technology to produce
D. It reduces hygienic problems because it does not
give fumes and ash
What happens to the remaining materials after
generation of biogas?
A. They are thrown away as waste
B. They are used as fuel for cooking
C. They are used as building materials
D. They are used as manure to fertilize the soil

18. PEAT COAL “NYIRAMUGENGERI”
Peat coal, also known as "Nyiramugengeri" in Rwanda,
is a type of fuel that is produced from partially
decomposed vegetation in wetlands. Peat coal has
been used as a source of energy in Rwanda for many
years, particularly in rural areas where access to other
sources of energy is limited.
It is formed in many swamps of Rwanda: Akagera,
Akanyaru, Nyabarongo, Mugesera, Gishoma swamps.
• It is rich in carbon and produces great heat.
• It is used for cooking but it is the source of
pollution because it produces fumes or
smokes.
• Peat coal is not renewable so the peat coal
deposits can depleted.
Advantages of peat energy
• It substitutes use of fuel wood leading to the
reduction deforestation.
• Its extraction creates more land for agriculture.

20. 1. What is peat coal in Rwanda?
A. A type of fuel produced from oil
B. A type of fuel produced from wetlands
C. A type of fuel produced from coal mines
D. A type of fuel produced from wind energy
2. Where is peat coal formed in Rwanda?
A. In the mountains
B. In the deserts
C. In the swamps
D. In the forests
3. What is one advantage of using peat energy in Rwanda?
A. It produces no pollution
B. It is a renewable resource
C. It is cheaper than other sources of energy
D. It is easy to transport
4. What is one disadvantage of using peat coal for cooking?
A. It is too expensive
B. It does not produce enough heat
C. It is not a renewable resource
D. It does not produce any fumes or smoke

21. NATURAL GAS ENERGY “METHANE
GAS”
It is found in solution of water
in Lake Kivu and its reserves
are estimated between 55
billion and 70 billion of m³.
It is converted in electricity used by
BRALIRWA and distributed to people.
It is a renewable and clean energy.
Now methane gas is exploited
at Cape Rubona in Rubavu
district and on the shore of
lake Kivu in Karongi district.

22. PETROLEUM
Rwanda does not produce it but it is imported from
Middle East in Asia through Mombasa and Dar-es-salaam
ports. Rwanda uses refine petroleum (diesel, petrol,
kerozen) for transport, lightning at home and for
generation of electricity.

23. HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER
It the major modern energy used in Rwanda
for many activities. It is generated by water
of river at the falls were dams are installed.
Over the last decade, Rwanda’s hydropower
sector showed a tremendous progress.
Overall installed capacity of power is about
276.068 MW, hydropower contributing
51.2% of it. This was achieved by involving
private investors in the energy sector;
Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Equally contributed to achievement in
energy sector is a conducive legal and
regulatory environment for private investors
in this area.
Giciye HEP

25. REASONS FOR LOW HYDRO-
ELECTRIC POWER IN RWANDA
• There is high demand for power in Rwanda due to rapid growth of heavy industries and
urbanization.
• Many water falls in Rwanda are not yet exploited due to seasonal changes (variability) in the
volume of water.
• There is lack of technical knowhow in exploitations and management of power services.
• There is a problem of political difference between countries such as Tanzania and Rwanda
that has delayed the exploitation of power at Rusumo falls.

26. Hydroelectric station Community River Capacity (MW) Year completed
Ntaruka Power Station Ntaruka
Mukungwa
River
11.5 MW 1959
Mukungwa PS Mukungwa
Mukungwa
River
12 MW 1982
Mukungwa II PS Mukungwa
Mukungwa
River
2.5 MW 2010
Nyabarongo I Power
Station
Nyabarongo
Nyabarongo
River
28 MW 2014
Rukarara Hydroelectric
PS
Rukarara River Rukarara 9.5 MW 2010
Rusizi I Hydroelectric
Power Station
Rusizi Rusizi River 30 MW 1958
Rusizi II Hydroelectric PS Rusizi Rusizi River 44 MW 1989
The table below shows the active HEP power stations in Rwanda

27. Ntaruka HEP
Lake Burera
Lake Ruhondo

28. Mukungwa II HEP

29. PROPOSED HEP POWER
PLANTS
Hydroelectric
station
River
Capacity
(MW)
Year
completed
Rusumo Power
Station
Akagera River 80 MW 2021
Nyabarongo II
Power Station
Nyabarongo
River
43 MW 2024
Rusizi III Power
Station
Rusizi River 147 MW 2023
Rusizi IV Power
Station
Rusizi River 287 MW 2025

30. Nyabarongo Reservoir

31. Rusumo HEP

32. Rusizi III HEP

33. THERMAL POWER PLANT
Thermal power
station
Community Fuel type Capacity
Year
completed
Name of Owner
KivuWatt Power
Station
Kibuye, Karongi
District
Methane 25 MW 2015 Contour Global
Kibuye Power Plant
Kibuye, Karongi
District
Methane 3.5MW 2012
Government of
Rwanda
Gishoma Thermal
Power Station
Rusizi District,
Western Rwanda
Peat 15 MW 2016
Shengli Energy
Group and Punj
Lloyd
Thermal power station Community Fuel type Capacity Year completed
Name of
Owner
Gisagara Thermal Power
Station
Gisagara District,
Southern Rwanda
Peat 80 MW 2021 (expected) Hakan
Symbion Thermal Power
Station
Nyamyumba, Gisenyi, Rub
avu District
Methane 50 MW 2018 (expected)
Symbion
Power Inc.
Operational
Proposed

34. Kivu Watt in Lake Kivu

35. Gishoma Thermal Power Plant

36. Gishoma Thermal Power Plant

37. KivuWatt Thermal Power Station

38. OPERATIONAL SOLAR ENERGY
POWERPLANTS
Solar power station Community Fuel type Capacity Year completed Name of Owner
Ngoma Solar Power
Station
Kibungo, Ngoma
District
Solar 2.4 MW 2011 Government of Rwanda
Rwamagana Solar
Power Station
Agahozo, Rwamag
ana District
Solar 8.5 MW 2015
Scatec Solar Company
& Gigawatt Global
Cooperatief
Nasho Solar Power
Plant
Rwinkwavu, Rwam
agana District
Solar 3.3 MW 2018 Rwanda Energy Group

39. Ngoma Solar Power Station

40. This $24m project is the first utility-scale, grid-connected,
commercial solar field in east Africa that has increased
Rwanda’s generation capacity by 6%. Agahozo Shalom
Youth Village

41. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
It may be produced in Rwanda at places
where there are hot springs
(Amashyuza): Bugarama (Rusizi) and
Nyamyumba (Rubavu).
Rwanda does not use this type of
energy due to:
• Lack of investment for exploitation
of it
• Low level of technology
• Lack of skilled manpower
• Now hot springs are only used for
tourism in Rwanda.
Hot springs

42. Nyamyumba Hotsprings

43. Bugarama Hot springs

44. WIND ENERGY
Rwanda has inaugurated its first wind energy
farm, located on Mount Jali overlooking the
capital Kigali and powering the Rwandan Office
of Information's FM transmitter.
The Potential sites of windfarm includes (Kigali-
Kanombe Airport, Cyangugu-Kamembe Airport,
Butare, Gisenyi, Gikongoro, Nyagatare.) with
hourly wind records
Wind Potential in Rwanda has not been fully exploited for
Power Generation although potential wind power that
Rwanda has in some areas may provide with possible
solutions such as water pumping, windmill and electricity
generation. A study of wind speed distribution has been
made.

45. FACTORS FAVORING ENERGY PRODUCTION IN
RWANDA
1. Presence of Waterfalls: Rwanda's landscape includes waterfalls that offer potential sites for hydropower projects.
2. Large Volume of Water: The country has access to ample water resources, ensuring a reliable and consistent
supply for hydropower generation.
3. Regular and Reliable Water Supply: Rwanda benefits from consistent water flow, providing a stable source for
sustainable hydropower production.
4. Presence of Space for Reservoir: Rwanda has suitable areas that can accommodate the construction of reservoirs,
enabling effective water storage for hydropower plants.
5. Presence of Market for Power: Rwanda's growing demand for electricity creates a viable market for hydropower,
ensuring the economic feasibility of projects.
6. Availability of Skilled Labor: Rwanda has a skilled workforce familiar with hydropower technology and
operations, supporting project development and maintenance.
7. Availability of Capital: Rwanda has the potential to attract capital investment for the construction and operation
of hydropower projects.
8. Favorable Government Policy: The Rwandan government has implemented supportive policies and regulations
to encourage the development of hydropower projects.
9. Political Stability: Rwanda enjoys political stability, providing a favorable climate for hydropower project
development.
10.Technological Advancements: Rwanda has witnessed advancements in technology, enabling more efficient and
cost-effective implementation of hydropower projects

46. IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY OR POWER IN
RWANDA
1.Economic Development: Reliable and affordable power drives economic growth, attracting
investments, creating jobs, and fostering infrastructure development.
2.Poverty Reduction: Access to electricity improves living standards, enables income-
generating activities, enhances agriculture, and facilitates access to education and
healthcare.
3.Industrialization and Manufacturing: Adequate power supply supports industrialization,
boosts manufacturing productivity, and enhances Rwanda's competitiveness.
4.Sustainable Development: Clean and renewable energy sources promote environmental
sustainability, reduce emissions, and preserve natural resources.
5.Education and Technology: Electricity powers educational institutions, facilitates digital
learning, and fosters technological innovation.
6.Healthcare Services: Reliable power supply is vital for healthcare facilities, enabling
medical equipment operation, refrigeration, and improved healthcare delivery.
7.Social Well-being: Access to electricity enhances safety, connectivity, and social
development, improving the overall quality of life.
8.Energy Independence and Security: Diversifying the energy mix reduces dependence on
imports, enhances energy security, and strengthens Rwanda's resilience

47. PROBLEMS FACING THE PRODUCTION OF POWER IN
RWANDA
1.Limited Energy Resources: Rwanda relies heavily on imported fuel due to limited
indigenous energy resources.
2.Insufficient Installed Capacity: The current power generation capacity is inadequate to
meet the increasing demand, leading to power shortages and blackouts.
3.Dependence on Hydroelectric Power: Reliance on hydroelectric power makes Rwanda
vulnerable to droughts, impacting electricity production.
4.Limited Grid Infrastructure: Many areas, especially rural regions, lack access to a reliable
electricity grid.
5.Lack of Energy Storage: Rwanda faces challenges in implementing large-scale energy
storage systems, affecting power supply stability.
6.High Production Costs: The cost of producing electricity is high due to reliance on
imported fuel and limited economies of scale.
7.Limited Access to Modern Energy Services: A significant portion of the population lacks
access to reliable electricity, hindering socio-economic development.
8.Limited Private Sector Participation: The power sector is dominated by state-owned
utilities, limiting private sector involvement and innovation.
9.Environmental Concerns: Deforestation and erosion pose challenges to the sustainability of
hydropower projects and the sector's environmental impact.

48. POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS AFFECTING POWER AND ENERGY PRODUCTION
• Efficient Transmission and Distribution: Improve the efficiency of transmission and distribution systems to ensure
reliable and stable power supply.
• Harvesting Water Weeds: Remove water weeds around power stations to maintain smooth water flow for hydropower
generation.
• Creation of Buffer Areas: Establish buffer zones around power stations to protect them from encroachment and ensure
operational safety.
• Emphasize Renewable Energy: Prioritize the development and utilization of renewable energy sources to reduce
dependence on fossil fuels and promote sustainability.
• Construct More Power Plants: Increase the construction of power plants, including traditional and renewable energy
facilities, to meet growing demand.
• Training Human Resources: Develop a skilled workforce for the power sector to ensure efficient operation and
maintenance of power infrastructure.
• Regular Machinery Inspection: Conduct routine inspections and maintenance of power plant machinery to prevent
breakdowns and ensure optimal performance.
• Construction of Feeder Roads: Build feeder roads to facilitate access to remote areas for power infrastructure
development and maintenance.
• Dredging Rivers and Reservoirs: Implement dredging activities in rivers and water reservoirs behind dams to
optimize hydropower generation.
• Affordable Prices: Establish fair and affordable electricity pricing structures to ensure accessibility for all segments of
society.
• Environmental Assessment Reports: Conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments for power projects to
minimize ecological harm.
• Mass Education: Raise public awareness about energy conservation, sustainable practices, and the benefits of
renewable energy.
• Importing Power: Explore opportunities for power imports from neighboring countries to supplement domestic

49. WAYS OF CONSERVING ENERGY IN RWANDA
In Rwanda energy may be conserved through:
• Development of other sources of energy such as solar, geothermal, wind, methane
gas to supplement the available power sources.
• Afforestation and re-afforestation to conserve the environment and preserve the
beauty of the country.
• Improvement in road quality and repair to reduce the consumption of fuel by
vehicles.
• Use of efficient stoves (energy saving stoves ”Rondereza”) to limit the use of fuel
wood for industrial and domestic purposes.
• Construction of other hydro-electric power potentials to supplement the existing
ones
• Importation of power from neighboring countries such as Uganda and
• Extraction of large quantities of methane gas to ease the problem of power shortage.
• Research on planning for appropriate management of existing forests and other
energy sources.
• Extension of services to educate the local population on energy making, conservation

50. 1. (a) Name and describe the sources of power and energy used in Rwanda.
(b) Distinguish between renewable energy and non-renewable energy in the context of Rwanda.
2. To what extent is the presence of waterfalls responsible for the development of power and energy
production in Rwanda?
3. Examine the advantages of using the following sources of power and energy in Rwanda.
a. Biogas
b. Hydroelectric power
c. Solar energy
4. Explain the differences that exist between biomass and biogas as sources of energy used in Rwanda.
5. Examine the factors that have favored power production in Rwanda.
6. (a) Define rural electrification
(b) Explain why the government of Rwanda advocates for transmission and distribution of power and
energy to rural areas.
7. Analyze the importance of power production to the economic development of Rwanda.
8. Describe the effects of power generating stations and operation on the environment.
9. Explain how you would address the challenges affecting power production in Rwanda.
10.(a) Name two areas where hydroelectric power stations are found in Rwanda.
11.(b) Explain the factors that favored power production in any one of the areas identified in (a) above.
End of Unit Revision Questions