In the photovoltaic fieldRwanda's experience in the field of renewable energies
As we've seen it, the institution responsible for the sector of renewable
energies is the Energy Head office (DGE).
Rwanda has a real experience in this field: with their achievements, institutions, private
companies and NGOs largely contribute to the development of this sector.
In the photovoltaic field
The Head Office has for instance published installation practical handbooks (cf. doc. 5), favoured the implementation of numerous plants which represented 90 kWp at the end of 1994 (23 kWp supplying 23 families, 22 kWp for 80 medical centres, 8 kWp supplying FM radios, 20 kWp supplying 350 subscribers to the telephone network, 5 kWp supplying power to 5 pumping stations). Since 1994, 70 kWp have been set up to provide power to medical centres, schools and NGOs. Various small companies import products that are necessary for the implementation of these plants; none of these products (batteries, modules, cables, regulators) are manufactured in Rwanda.
The Ministry very often trains these actors. With this whole experience, the development of these technologies can be envisaged. Several projects are under way at the DGE, which continues its mission of initiation, promotion and implementation of rural electrification plans (solar power supply kits, medical power supply).
In the photothermal field
With 60 m² collector plants, domestic hot water could be produced in various communities. In this sector, all the components necessary are also imported.
In the field of micro
hydroelectricity
Photo J-C Scholle
Diversion canal of a micro power plant to be restored - the Rwandan
specialist assesses damage |
Numerous micro hydroelectric power plants, with micro distribution networks, (<100 kW) have been set up in Rwanda. After several missions on the field, the DGE has carried out feasibility studies and elaborated implementation files and estimates. Within the framework of its mission, it has identified and quantified more than 259 sites that can be restored or equipped. It is also setting up a training project for technicians.
Although skills are to be found in the country, none of the components which are necessary for these plants (turbines, generators) are manufactured on the spot.
In the field of biomass
After the stop of the economic activities in 1994, the Head Office is again trying to develop the manufacturing of fuels from papyrus to replace wood, as well as the production of biogas, among others. In this field, it would be interesting to devise programmes for wood saving (for example with the public companies of tea or gas manufacturing as an annex to the cleaning-up treatment in water-treatment plants, in the treatment of slaughterhouse waste).
| The will and skills of the DGE, the experience acquired in the public sector as well as in the private one, Rwanda's climate, the needs and demand... everything contributes to envisage the development of the use of renewable energies with the achievement of new projects, the reinforcement of skills and the technology transfer. |
12 pages: .1. .2. .3. .4. .5. .6. .7. .8. .9. .10. .11. .12.