The document provides an overview of Rwanda's initiatives and developments in renewable energy as discussed in a 2014 workshop. Key highlights include the current energy mix with significant contributions from hydro and thermal sources, biogas training programs, solar energy projects, and plans for geothermal energy development. It emphasizes the importance of off-grid solutions and the integration of renewable energy to enhance energy access and efficiency in Rwanda.

1. RENEWABLE ENERGY IN
RWANDA – 2014
Workshop on
Higher Education Activities for Renewable Energy in Africa
10-11 July 2014
Umubano Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda
By
Marcel GAKUBA
Head – SRDU, EWSA Ltd
10/07/2014

2. Energy Sector Overview
10/07/2014

3. Electricity
Source Current/MW % Share
Hydro Domestic 41.95 37.90
Hydro Import 16.5 14.91
Solar 0.25 0.23
Methane gas 4.2 3.79
Thermal 47.8 43.18
10/07/2014

4. Biomass
• Trainings on Improved
charcoal carbonization
techniques
• Trainings on manufacture
and use of Rural Improved
Cookstoves.
• Trainings on manufacture
and use of Urban Improved
Cookstoves Program
10/07/2014

5. Biogas
Green
•It is renewable
•It does not emit soot (CO2) when cooking and it favours
cleanliness in the kitchen
•Bio-effluent is a good fertiliser
Sustainability
•Biogas plant normally lasts for 20 to 30 years
•We train masons for construction & maintenance of
domestic & institutional biogas- in all Districts
•User training is provided to household owning biogas
•Provision of after sale services for a period of 1 year
10/07/2014

6. Biogas
Domestic Biogas
• One cow approx. gives 20 kg/ day of dung
• Min. size of the Biogas Plant is 4 m3 (2 cows)
• Maximum Domestic Biogas Plant has capacity
of 10 m3
Institutional Biogas
• Design based on the group size of people or
animals
• Minimum size is 10 m3
• The largest is in Ntsinda Prison- 1200 m3
10/07/2014

7. Likely Benefits
• Bio digesters Construction Cost reduction
• Research on Bio-effluent as good fertiliser
• Updating the existing biogas models in
terms of gas production.
10/07/2014

8. Geothermal
GEOTHERMAL DEVELOPMENT
10/07/2014

9. Geothermal
• The potential for power generation is estimated to
be about 700 MW
• Two wells were drilled and as there were no
promising outcomes, therefore have to be
halted
• A scoping phase has been initiated, with the
development of a master plan and completion of
missing surface level studies.
Surface Manifestation studies
Geology, Geochemistry, 1G0/0e7/o20p14hysics, Hydrology

10. Renewable Hydro
Existing Hydropower Electricity
• Rwanda presently has about 53% of electricity
supply from hydropower
• Approximately a total of around 40 MW are at
advanced construction stages. Likely to
increase it contribution to 79% of all electricity
supply.
Regional Potential Projects
• A total of 512 MW shared with our neighbour
are at different stages of development. Rwanda
share will be 1/3.
10/07/2014

11. The Likely Benefits
• Water resource management (Hydrological
modelling of river behaviour and sediments
analysis)
• Feasibility studies of pico and micro hydro
• Model for management of off-grid micro
hydro power plants
• Scientific guidance on manufacturing of
pico turbines
10/07/2014

12. Solar PV Energy
• Rwanda is characterised by Savannah
climate- solar radiation intensity approx.
equal to 5kWh/m2/day and peak sun hours
of approximately 5 hours per day.
• Existing projects include a 250 kWp grid
connected solar plant (since 2007).
• A two projects 8.5+10 MW are under
development in the Eastern Province
10/07/2014

13. Solar Energy
Solar Water Heaters (SolaRwanda) Program
•The SolaRwanda Program is scheduled for a period of
four years (2012-2015).
• The objectives & targets of SolaRwanda Program is to
promote the widespread use of solar water heaters in
residential sector through financial incentives, and other
support measures,
•Subsidy of 186,000 or 279,000RwF for 200 or 300 L
SWH
•Goal = 12,000 SWH by the end of the year 2015 with a
total estimated yearly saving of 23,328 MWh
10/07/2014

14. Solar Energy
PV installations in 300 Schools ( 0.74 kW each)
10/07/2014

15. Other RE Considerations
• Off Grid Solutions (Solar, Wind and Hydro)
• 52% of access is expected to be from off grid connections
by 2018.
• Solar PV off grid connections are considered for
promotion.
• A wind assessment study (5 sites) has been undertaken
and suggested there is potential for off-grid wind energy
solutions to provide electricity to people in the east of
Rwanda. A comprehensive study for wind potential
assessment is under consideration.
• 69 Hydro Sites FS is just being concluded and most of
them are likely to be developed through off grid systems.
10/07/2014

16. SRDU Areas of Engagement
Our Main focus is in the four areas below (but
not limited to that)
o Integration of the energy market,
o Renewable forms of energy,
o Energy efficiency and
o Consequences of climate change on the energy
sector.
10/07/2014

17. THE END
mgakuba@ewsa.rw
www.ewsa.rw
10/07/2014