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Journal of Fundamentals of Renewable Energy and Applications

Journal of Fundamentals of Renewable Energy and Applications
Open Access

ISSN: 2090-4541

+44 1300 500008

Abstract

Energy Sector Development in Sub Saharan Africa: Case Study of Rwanda

Sosthene Mubera and Nestor Uwitonze

For more than a decade, African countries have been struggling to raise their economic level from developing countries to developed countries. Energy is the 7th goal in World’s sustainable development goals. As a driving factor, electricity is a major factor to run economic development through manufacturing, construction, storing equipment, lightning infrastructures and fulfilling households’ daily needs. Limited number of Sub-Sahara African has access to the electricity. Population continues to grow at 1.18% to reach 685 million in 2050. It is important to prioritize energy development which will have to meet today and future demand of the population and economic development. Electricity accessibility raise at 45% from 2000 to 2015 on continent scale through countries cooperation and international funds. Rwanda is striving to connect 70% of its population to the electricity. Across the country; Renewable energy such as hydropower plants, solar power plants, Wind, methane gas power plant, peat power plants and Non Renewable such as electricity generators, and coal are being exploited to meet Rwandan Energy target in one year to come. Currently 190 MW over 563 MW is already reached through 25 hydropower plants in South and North-WEST, 2 solar power plants in the center and East, 2 Electricity Generator power plants in Kigali City and 1 methane gas power plant in Karongi District. Two (2) peat energy power plants constructed in Gishoma and Gisagara are expected to boost the energy sector in years to come with 10.85 MW and 80 MW respectively.

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