Jan 25 2011
Rwanda intends to add geothermal power to the renewable energy portfolio of the country to deal with the severe electricity challenges faced by the growing economy. The nation has set a target of 300 MW electricity generation from geothermal sources during the forthcoming six years.
An energy expert at the Ministry of Infrastructure at Rwanda, Stephen Onacha, stated that three geothermal exploration Wells would be drilled at a total const of $ 20 million in 2011. The surface studies have indicated that there was a great potential for developing geothermal power in Rwanda.
Rwanda has a wide-ranging energy diversification program to expand its installed capacity to 1000 MW in the next seven years, and hence the investment plans for this program would provide power for many more people and spur economic growth. The total program is expected to cost an astounding $900 million and for implementing the key projects such as constructing new generating plants and also upgrading the existing decrepit distribution and transmission infrastructure, various financiers such as the World Bank, African Development Bank and the European Union have come forward to assist the nation. Despite being the fastest growing economy in East Africa, with even the World Bank predicting a 7% gross domestic product growth, Rwanda has been encountering serious challenges in the energy sector.
According to Rwanda Electricity, the total installed capacity of the nation was just 69 MW in 2009 and plans have been made to boost the capacity up to 130 MW by 2012 by investing in small methane gas and hydro power plants. Currently, only 6% of the population receives electricity from the national grid. However, if the power gas capacity is increased to 130 MW, 16% of the total ten million population would get access to electricity.
According to a study conducted by the World Bank in 2008, the nation should make heavy investments in geothermal energy facilities as it is situated in the East African Rift Valley, which is known to be the hottest location for geothermal activity. The study also revealed that to address the repeatedly occurring energy crisis in Rwanda, an organized and methodical exploration and assessment of geothermal resources should be carried out. This would also make sure that a long term energy security is achieved. According to the World Bank, the potential for geothermal activity is 15,000 MW along the East African Rift Valley. This potential has been untapped so far with Kenya developing a 280 MW out of the total potential of 7000 MW. However, Kenyan authorities have been investing heavily in geothermal ventures for generating 3000 MW by 2017.
Source: http://www.mininfra.gov.rw