Rwanda plans of acquiring the first of its kind Solar Power plant is underway, as its government has signed a Power Purchase Agreement with Giga Watt Global Rwanda Limited which will aid in the development of a grid-level electric generating plant.
“Generation and provision of electricity to all Rwandans is a priority for the Government of Rwanda. This initiative to produce 8.5 megawatts of clean energy is an important addition towards closing our current energy gap,” said the Minister of State in Charge of Energy and Water, Eng. Emma Francoise Isumbingabo.
According to the Agreement, GigaWatt Global Rwanda Ltd will design, finance, maintain and operate the 8.5 megawatts solar electric generating plant at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village in Rwamagana District. The estimated value of the project is USD23 million and is bound to be operational in June 2014.
“Energy is key in driving Rwanda’s economic development and specifically to reach our targets as set in EDPRS2. Therefore, we welcome investors such as GigaWatt Global as this partnership will benefit Rwandans directly as well as contribute to Rwanda’s competitiveness,” RDB’s acting Chief operating officer
Gigawatt Global was founded by Arava Power Company’s American founders. Arava Power Company has successfully developed six solar power plants in Israel.
Recently, the Government of Rwanda also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Punj Lloyd Ltd, a publicly owned Indian based company, to develop and manage a peat power plant. Punj Lloyd plans to construct, finance, maintain and operate a peat to power plant in North Akanyaru, in Bugesera District, Eastern Province of gross one hundred megawatt (100MW) with an estimated project value of USD 371 million.