R W A N D A N A T I O N A L L A N D U S E D E V E L O P M E N T M A S T E R P L A N - E N E R G Y

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ENERGY..........................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................2
ENERGY RESOURCES ..................................................................................................2
Natural Gas............................................................................................................3
PEAT......................................................................................................................3
Renewable Energy................................................................................................4
ENERGY SUPPLY .........................................................................................................4
In house Hydro-electricity: ...............................................................................5
Imported Hydroelectricity.................................................................................5
In house Thermal Electricity. ...........................................................................5
Rental Thermal Electricity................................................................................5
Fuel Consumption.................................................................................................5
Electricity Consumption ........................................................................................6
Energy Balance – Present Situation....................................................................9
Energy Model – Future Scenarios.....................................................................10
Annual Fuel Consumption.............................................................................10
Annual Electricity Supply ...............................................................................10
Electric Power Generation.............................................................................10
Annual Heat Supply .......................................................................................11
Electricity Systems ..............................................................................................11
Natural Gas Systems..........................................................................................11
GUIDELINES ...............................................................................................................14
Guidelines – Energy Resources ...................................................................14
Guidelines – Energy Supply and Demand...................................................14
Guidelines – Technical Infrastructure ...........................................................15
REFFERENCES...........................................................................................................18

LIST OF FIGURES.......................................................................................................18

LIST OF TABLES.........................................................................................................18
The National Land Use and Development Master Plan is referred to as the Plan in the text.

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the Vision 2020, Rwanda intends to increase its access to electricity from the
Energy current 6% to at least 16% by the year 2012, and to 36% by 2020. It also plans to
reduce the cost of electricity production mainly by diversifying its indigenous
resources that are cheaper than oil products, promoting the efficient use of energy
Introduction
and reducing losses in the power network system and electrogaz commercial
A reliable supply of energy is a basic prerequisite for economic development and
losses. The preferred electricity generation sources will include Lake Kivu Methane
improvement of living standards for all. Energy is a requirement for heating, cooking
gas, hydro, geothermal, solar, peat and biogas.
and lighting homes, but also as electricity for running machinery and equipment, for
powering health facilities and schools. No country has had sustained development Promotion campaigns on the use of energy saving appliances and devices will help
without a corresponding increase in energy demand per capita. the country to implement the electricity access program at least-cost through
connecting more people whilst still using same amount of electricity. Today, when
The mission of the Rwanda energy sector is to create conditions for the provision of
the globe is struggling to achieve sustainable development, energy efficiency is one
safe, reliable, efficient, cost-effective and environmentally appropriate energy
of the critical issues on the agenda. Saving is always better than generation
services to households and to all economic sectors on a sustainable basis. By
because it avoids emitting green house gases into atmosphere and helps to reduce
fulfilling its vision and mission, the energy sector will contribute to the goals of
climate change as a result. Reducing the amount of energy required per person
national socio-economic development, including the progressive elimination of
and increasing the promotion of renewable energy sources will contribute to making
poverty.
the green and environmentally friendly.
Currently, serious and dedicated efforts have been undertaken, to develop the
A diversified, well-managed and environmental friendly energy sector is essential
energy sector, to increase generation, improve transmission and distribution,
for reaching sustainable development. Many countries have realized this and they
diversify the energy sources, to reduce costs and elaborate a conducive legal and
are now diversifying their energy sectors to include alternative energy sources to
regulatory framework. The energy sector is moving fast and it is at the same time,
hydrocarbons.
more stable and harmonized than before. All stakeholders, ranging from the central
and local governments to private companies and development partners, have It is therefore recommended that the country should prioritize and make good use
committed themselves to contributing to the development of the sector. of its available renewable energy sources. Solar and wind energy sources should
be developed so they can significantly contribute to power generation in the
In order for the energy sector to contribute in a substantial manner to accelerated
country. In addition, the country should focus on reaching energy efficiency in its
economic growth, and in order to meet basic energy needs, the following clear set
high-energy consuming sectors, on energy conservation and on energy research
of objectives and targets have been set for the energy sector till 2012, under the
and education.
Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS):

The Energy Policy for Rwanda, which was updated in November 2008 laid down Energy Resources
the Government’s commitment to the development and utilisation of renewable Biomas (Fuelwood) energy which contributes 90% is the most important energy
energy resources and technologies and energy efficiency promotion. As stipulated resources in Rwanda. Presently, natural gas resources are being exploited and the
in its Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) based on sector represents an increasing economic factor in the country. However, oil and

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natural gas resources are exhaustible and they cause environmental problems by Source:MININFRA 2008
emitting greenhouse gases when burnt for energy production. Better managing
energy resources and tapping on renewable energy potentials will be crucial to Figure 2: Energy Consumption in Rwanda
maintain a sustainable development in the country.

Figure 1: Domestic Use of Firewood. Energy consumption in Rwanda

7% 3%

Biomass
Petroleum Products
Electricity

90%

Source MININFRA 2008

Natural Gas
Rwanda has unexploited reserves of natural gas. In 2008 methane gas reserves
were estimated at 55 billion cubic meters usable for domestic source. Because of
its natural gas reserves, the country has the potential to increase production of
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Moreover, the country could use its natural gas
resources for electricity production and for exporting. Presently, the share of natural
gas used for electricity production is increasing, but at a low rate since there is a
lack of natural gas distribution networks and processing infrastructure.

The following are the potential electric energy sources in Rwanda on which the
Government shall mainly base on towards the achievement of the EDPRS targets.

PEAT
Rwanda has peat reserves estimated at 155 million tones and therefore has the
potential to replace wood, charcoal and fuel oil (MINFRA2008b:Energy sector
strategy, August 2008. Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), Kigali). It is estimated
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that about a third is commercially extractable and can be used for direct use as
source of heat or for production of electricity. While power production from peat is
still in a planning stage, the use of peat as burning fuel has already been tested in
community institutions, for brick making, Cement making and the cottage industry
(MININFRA 2009a). To REMA (2009), the environmental impacts assessment of
commercial exploitation is needed before peat can serve as a realistic energy
alternative. However, they are no available comparative statistics, survrys or
studies done to know what propotion of the population that use peat in relation to
other renewable energy sources.
Renewable Energy
Climate Change: Rwanda is greatly affected by climate change, for instance
through fluctuations in rainfall and hydrological regimes, while its greenhouse gas
emissions are negligible. However, with a growing economy, emissions are likely to
increase even though Rwanda is politically committed to a sustainable
development with a strong focus on renewable energies. The Rwandan
Government has already invested substantially in re-forestation, efficient biomass
use, energy sources including hydropower, methane gas and solar photo voltaic,
ensuring the country is already well advanced in terms of keeping emissions as low
as possible. However, initial investments for clean technologies are very capital
intensive which can be problematic.
The Kyoto Protocol provides for the Clean Development Mechanism whereby
developing economies can sell carbon credits. So far only China, India, Brazil and
few others have really benefitted from CDM while Africa has a share of about 2% of
the whole market. Rwanda is preparing a number of carbon trade initiatives for
efficient lighting; hydro-power projects; Lake Kivu methane gas to power; solar and
biomass related energy projects as well as carbon capture benefits through forestry
programs.
For Rwanda the possibilities to use alternative energy sources to oil are very
promising. The country harbours inexhaustible solar, biofuels, hydro, geothermal
and wind resources that may be used to produce energy for domestic needs and
for export purposes. In addition, the country holds areas suitable for wind energy
technology.
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However, Rwanda is just starting to invest in the development of its renewable
energy sources. Currently, only a few installations for electricity generation from
solar and biogas power have been established.
Rwanda is committed to a green growth path and is developing low carbon
strategies, and MININFRA is exploring how to ensure these through the available
international mechanisms, in addition to potential options for emissions reductions
incentives.
Energy Supply
Through Vision 2020 the Government envisages that 35 % of the population will
have access to electricity network by 2020, and that by then Rwanda should have
found ways to reduce the use of biomass energy down to 50 %. To achieve this,
Government has earmarked the energy sector as a priority in EDPRS 2008-12.
The objective of the five-year programme is to ensure that the energy sector
significantly contributes to the long term socio-economic development and the
reduction of poverty in Rwanda. Heavy investment in the energy sector is aimed at
providing security in energy supply at a low cost. This is meant to be achieved
through: increased energy supply capacity from 54.5 MW to 130 MW by 2012,
mainly through generation of 50 MW more hydroelectric power and at least 25 MW
from methane gas;
strengthening of the transmission and distribution network by extension from 3300
km to 5000 km of high, medium and low voltage network and ensuring
maintenance and sustainability of infrastructure and equipment;
rise of electricity access rate to 350000 households to be connected by 2012
compared to 97000 households currently, plus connections to industries and public
institutions - power to be supplied to all administrative centres and service delivery
points, 50% of all schools and all health centres; and,
revision of electricity tariff downwards by diversifying the local sources of energy,
reducing technical and commercial losses of energy through ELECTROGAZ
network - from 23 % to 15 % and 12 % to 5 % respectively, and popularising
energy saving equipment such as improved stoves, energy saving bulbs, solar
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water heating systems and inverters (800000 energy saving bulbs to be distributed Rwanda is highly dependent on its oil imports. In 2004 oil imports was 125,319,542
by 2012 to save 30 MW per year). million metric tons and in 2007 oil imports were approximately 185,200,000 million
mtric tons Moreover, the country heavily relies on oil for the production of electricity
Summary of distributed electricity in Rwanda. and for running its industries, its agriculture, and its air, land and sea transportation
systems.
IN HOUSE HYDRO-ELECTRICITY:
Table 1: Oil Imports in Comparison with Consumption 2004-2007
Ntaruka - installed capacity 11.75 MW, available capacity 6 MW;
Imports Consumption
Mukungwa - installed capacity 12.50 MW, available capacity 11 MW;
2004 125,319,542 131,753,428
Gihira - installed capacity 1.8 MW, available capacity 1.8 MW; 2005 149,842,156 148,190,364
2006 180,065,930 174,606,331
Gisenyi - installed capacity 1.2 MW, available capacity 1.2 MW;
2007 185,206,065 186,866,855
IMPORTED HYDROELECTRICITY. Total 640,433,693 641,416,978

Rusizi1 (SNEL) - Installed capacity 3.5 MW, available capacity 3.5 MW; Source: MINICOM, 2010

Rusizi2 (SNELAC) - Installed capacity 12 MW, available capacity 8 MW. To secure economic growth in the long run, key aspects like oil infrastructure, gas
reserve exploration, development of renewable energy sources, increases in
domestic fuel consumption effectiveness, and minimization of adverse
IN HOUSE THERMAL ELECTRICITY. environmental impacts from oil production and usage have to be addressed.
Jabana - 7.8 MW.
Fuel Consumption
Petroleum products for the Rwanda market are imported almost exclusively
RENTAL THERMAL ELECTRICITY.
through the northern road corridor. From the Kenyan port of Mombassa the
Aggreko 1 (Gikondo) - 10 MW; and, petroleum is transported in a pipeline that runs through Kenya’s mainland to
Eldoret, from where it distributed by truck tankers to Rwanda. The long distance
Aggreko 2 (Mukungwa) - 5 MW. from Mombassa increases petroleum product costs, The latter was badly felt
during the crisis in the last two months of 2008 when the only route was through
Others. Tanzania.

Nyamyotsi 1 micro hydro power - 75 Kw, To increase supply reliability and minimise transport cost of imported petroleum, the
Government of Rwanda has joined Kenya and Uganda in the East African Oil
Kigali solar - 250 kW. Pipeline Project. Extension of the existing pipeline from Eldoret to Kampala was in
March 2008, awarded to Tamoil Africa Holdings Ltd, through a concession contract,
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on a build-own and operate model. Rwanda is expecting to benefit from further Figure 4: Oil Prices in Rwanda for 2005-2006
extension of the pipeline from Kampala to Kigali (about 600 km). No information
about starting and completion has been captured. 1000
Pump price in Frw

900

Rwanda has recently registered an increased interest in oil exploration - especially 800
700
in the western Rift Valley in the country. The motivation is the recent oil discovery in

Price (FRW)
600
the northern part of the Rift Valley in Uganda 500
400
300
Fuel consumption in Rwanda has grown rapidly. Between 2004 and 2007 oil 200

consumption levels increased by 8.6 %, and in 2007 about 186,866,855 million 100
0
metric tons of oil were consumed Out of 185,206,065 million metric tons of oil

06-Nov

07-Nov
06-Jan

06-Jun

07-Jan

07-Jun

08-Jan

08-Jun
06-Jul

07-Jul

08-Jul
06-Mar
06-Apr

07-Mar
07-Apr

08-Mar
08-Apr
06-Feb

06-Aug
06-Sep

07-Feb

07-Aug
07-Sep

08-Feb

08-Aug
09-Sep
06-Oct

07-Oct

10-Oct
06-May

06-Dec

07-May

07-Dec

08-May
imported in the whole country.
2006 2007 2008
Figure 3: Oil Consumption in Rwanda for 2004-2007
200,000,000
Source: MINICOM 2010
180,000,000
160,000,000
140,000,000
Electricity Consumption
The electricity sector is quite fairly developed in Rwanda. Electricity-generating
Metric Tons

120,000,000
100,000,000
Imports
power plants a capacity of over 85 MW was reached by the end of 2009. Electrical
networks cover most of the country and 6% of all inhabitants have access to
Consumption
80,000,000
60,000,000 electricity. However, distribution networks are facing a number of problems that are
40,000,000 related to safety, power quality and power continuity. The sector also suffers from
20,000,000 high commercial losses, explained by inadequate pricing models, illegal
0
2004 2005 2006 2007
connections, and a lack of installed electricity meters.

The available electricity generation capacity in Rwanda in July 2009 is 85MW and
Source: Annual Report Minicom – 2005 is largely produced from hydro power and thermal sources. Overall power
production has stabilized after severe power shortages in 2004 that caused
massive load shedding all over the country, and prompted the government to hire
emergency power solutions and invest in increasing generation capacity.
Generation capacity will be expanded to at least 130MW by 2012 mainly through
investment in hydropower and methane gas to power projects.

The current electricity grid consists of around 3300 km of different voltage levels
and is shown on the map below:

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Table 2: Current Electricity Generation Capacity

Installed
Capacity It is worth noting that currently, 137287 grid connections, including households,
Category Name (MW) industries, schools, health facilities etc. and 2428 off grid customers connected to
Ntaruka 11,5 micro-hydro or solar schemes. The target for the number of electricity connections
in 2008 was 100,000 connections and the performance realized was of 110,000
Mukungwa 12 connections (approximately 6% of households) from a baseline of 91,332 in 2006.
Gihira 1 This was largely attributed to the successful implementation of the electricity
Hydropower network expansion rollout program initiated by the Ministry of infrastructure
Gisenyi 1,2
(MININFRA).
Mutobo 0,2
Agatobwe 0,2 150,000 carbon fluorescent lamps (CFL) energy saving bulbs, have been
distributed to improve energy economization and to reduce wastage.
Nyamyotsi 0,1

Regional Rusizi I 3,5

Hydropower Rusizi II 12

Thermal Jabana HFO 20,5

Power Jabana Diesel 7,8
Rented Figure 5: Power Lines and Transformers (next page)
Thermal
Power Gikondo Diesel 10
Solar Power Kigali Solar 0,25
Methane
Gaz KP1 4,2
Total 85,3
Source: MININFRA, 2009 Report

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Through these initiatives, the Government of Rwanda intends to increase the and commercial losses and can be attributed to users not paying for their electricity
percentage of the population with access to electricity from the 2001 6% to 16% by consumption.
2012 through the national Electricity Access Roll out Programme (EARP), which
aims to implement the targets formulated in the EDPRS. This translates into at least Figure 6: Total Generation and Loss of Electricity, TWh. (Data not Available
350,000 connections to the national grid. The grid component of the programme is
being implemented by the national utility RECO (Rwanda Electricity Coorporation).
The EARP also has an off-grid component that is being managed by the Ministry of
Infrastructure and includes solar photovoltaic (solar PV) electrification for social
institutions too far from the grid to be connected within the next five years (> 5 km
from the network), and micro hydropower development for rural communities. A
programme prospectus has been developed for the high level planning of the
programme which outlines the geo-spatial planning required to identify which
community sectors shall be electrified first and what volume of financing is
necessary to implement the first phase of the programme.

Presently, production of electricity in the country is under the mandate of Rwanda

Electricty Corperation (RECO), and in heavy industries. Heavy or light fuel oil, and
to a lesser extent liquid natural gas, is used to produce electricity. Hence, electricity
production is a major contributor to emissions of greenhouse gases, sulphur,
particles and other pollutants.

Energy Balance – Present Situation

An energy balance has been compiled for Rwanda to give an overview of the
present energy production, import, and fuel inputs that are needed for electricity
generation. The hydrocarbon resources crude oil, natural gas and renewable
energy constitute input, i.e. supply, to the balance. Rwanda’s primary energy
balance is as follows;
Biomass 90%
The transportation sector is the largest consumer of fuel in the country, accounting
for 5 % of total fuel consumption. The industrial sector accounts for 3 % and the
households for 90 % of the fuel consumption. The lack of well-developed public, rail
transportation systems explains that no electricity is used in the transportation
sector.

Petroleum 7%

Electricity 3%

The balance also shows that the total generated electricity in Rwanda, 2010 is 85
MW, out of which 75% are consumed, 25% are transmission and distribution
losses. The distribution losses are very high. This high value represents technical
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Figure 7: Total Energy Consumption per Sector by Type of Energy in
2009,TWh
3%
5%
2%
Transport
Industry
Public Service
Household
90%
Out of the total consumption of electricity in about 25% is
non-productive consumption, e.g. lighting, water heating and air conditioning.
Furthermore, it is expected that the electricity consumption shares for industries
and agriculture will rise in the coming years as a result of the encouragement to
develop private sector activities.
Energy Model – Future Scenarios
An energy system optimization model was run to present different power supply
scenarios that are economically and environmentally optimal for Rwanda in the
year 2020. As a result, annual fuel consumption, annual electricity supply, electrical
power generation and annual heat supply are presented.
The scenarios which are analyzed with this model are the Low Growth and the
High Growth Scenarios. Total current electricity capacities are calculated to
approximately 85.3 MW. In 2020 the calculated total required electricity capacities
for the Low Growth and High Growth Scenarios are 170 MW and 438 MW
respectively, which means that current electricity capacity needs to be doubled and
tripled respectively to meet the forecasted electricity needs in the Low Growth and
High Growth Scenarios in the year 2020.
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ANNUAL FUEL CONSUMPTION
In the High Growth Scenario light fuel oil is expected to replace heavy fuel oil for
power generation, and in both scenarios it is expected that natural gas will be the
most used fuel type for power generation. Natural gas will be used in new power
plants and to a lower extent in existing plants and in plants that are under
construction (Figure). The use of natural gas has a higher degree of environmental
advantages.
Figure Annual fuel consumptions 2020 for the Low and High Growth Scenarios,
TWh/year.
ANNUAL ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
Expansions of solar cells are proposed to occur in both scenarios, and power
exports and imports to and from the region will occur in the High Growth Scenario
(Figure) when it is profitable for the country. Electricity imports are therefore not
meant to replace domestic electricity generation.
ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION
In the Energy Strategies prepared by MININFRA there is a detailed description of
required installed capacity in MW to be used for the scenarios. Present power
plants, power plants under construction and the need for new plants are proposed.
Major contributors to the national power supply in the Low Growth Scenario will be
……... In the High Growth Scenario these power plants are also essential but their
share of the total electricity generation will be lower. Instead, the ……. combined
heat and power (CHP) plants will be the proposed major individual contributors to
the national power supply (Figure).
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Table 3: Power Supply 2010 from Different Types of Power Plants, and much of that is underground. The low voltage connection does not go further
TWh/year. than 5 km from the grid in rural areas.

Source Finalized Capacity Production Electricity network master plan to inter-connect across border: Currently, a master
By (MW) (GWh) plan for the electricity network has been drafted and a National Electrification
1 NYABARONGO 2012 27.5 165
Prospectus is being developed with a necessary Investment Plan to be finalized by
December 2008. The transmission network is to be extended to inter-connect
2 RUSIZI III 2015 90.3 413 Rwanda with its neighbouring countries. It will allow - through regional projects - the
3 RUSUMO FALLS 2015 62 382 sharing of electricity within the East African Community and the Community of the
Great Lakes Region countries.
4 MUKUNGWA II 2012 3.7 20
5 RUKARA 2010 9 45 The transmission and distribution system is generally in a poor state, with
6 AKANYARU 2012 3.9 31 substations in seriously lacking conditions. Distribution lines lack protection. Spare
parts are scarce. There is outdated and incomplete information on the whereabouts
7 SISI 5 (RUSIZI III) 2015 188 946 of underground cables in Kigali that has resulted in frequent accidental damage. All
8 Methane gas KIBUYE 2009 4 33 those factors produce a serious deleterious effect on supply quality and reliability.
Overall system losses are estimated to be approximately 35 %, with technical
9 Methane gas KIBUYE 2010 50 413 losses contributing about 23 % with commercial losses stand at 12 %. This rate of
system loss is high by both international and African standards.
Total 438.4 2448
The distribution networks, however, are facing a number of problems mainly related
ANNUAL HEAT SUPPLY
to safety, power quality and continuity. The national electrical system is also
The Low and High Growth Scenarios suggest that additional power supply capacity challenged by the current lack of urban planning and by the construction of houses
is required for the country. They also suggest that future electricity needs can be and industries in unplanned areas. In this context, (RECO) will have to improve
met by using natural gas in CHP plants, by expanding solar energy capacity. If this co-ordination with planning authorities to overcome the difficulties in correctly
is accomplished, higher fuel conversion into electricity efficiency could be attained, dimensioning electrical systems. If this is not achieved, electrical systems will
benefits would be brought to the environment by reduced greenhouse gas deliver electricity services of low quality characterized by irregular voltage and
emissions, and incomes increase by electricity exports to foreign markets. power failures.

Electricity Systems Natural Gas Systems

The electricity transmission network, which is under the mandate of
ELECTROGAZ, has a two axis grid: Byumba-Kigali-Cyangugu and Gisenyi-Kigali-
Kibungo. It consists of some 285 kilometres of 110 kilovolt lines and 64 kilometres
of 70 kilovolt lines. The distribution system consists of both medium voltage, i.e. 30
kilovolt, 15 kilovolt, and 6.6 kilovolt, and low-voltage, ie 380 volt three-phase and
220 volt single phase, networks, with a significant proportion being located in Kigali
In Rwanda natural gas industries are poorly developed. No (oil and) gas pipeline
networks reach for example Kigali City,
In Rwanda there is no oil refinery. Natural gas should be used for electricity
production and natural gas should be delivered directly to households in major
urban areas. To achieve this, however, and gas networks have to be improved and

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expanded and at least one oil refineries has to be built. Moreover, adequate
policies have to be developed and implemented to appropriately manage the
country’s natural gas industries.
One new refineries and storage facilities are proposed in the Eastern Province in
close connection to the new railway. A gas pipelines is proposed to be built
between the gas fields in Lake Kivu and Kigali which together with storage facilities
at new airport will give the capital sufficient supply of energy for various urban
devlopment.
Lack of Data
Data to use for important comparative indicators showing distribution,
quality, performance, etc. have not been found. Consequently it is not
possible to compare inequalities of, for example, total energy supply per
source, electricity consumption per sector, and oil consumption between
Districts, which is a fundamental comparative analysis in a National Plan. It
is therefore recommended that the sector authority make such data
available so it can be accessible for District Development Plan revision
that is due in 2012.

Figure 8: district Centres Connected to the National Grid 2010(next page)

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Guidelines GUIDELINES – ENERGY SUPPLY AND DEMAND

The following guidelines propose development of the energy resources and ways
to develop technical infrastructure for electricity, oil and gas.
GUIDELINES – ENERGY RESOURCES
National, regional and local energy strategies focusing on all energy
resources should be developed. Alternative energy sources to oil (and
gas) should be considered.
After 2020 alternative energy sources to gas should be considered.
(Oil and) gas exploration should be developed and expanded.
Fuel and energy efficiency should be improved and fuel conservation
should be approached.
Solar energy and other renewable energy technology should be
developed.
Energy conservation techniques should be enhanced and the general
public made aware of the importance of energy saving. Economic
incentives should be considered to reach a high level of energy
conservation.
Solid waste should be considered a future energy resource.
Used car tires should be considered an energy resource and burnt,
controling the emissions, in cement kilns.
Electricity Production
A more diversified energy supply for producing electricity should be
promoted by increasing the production share of natural gas and renewable
energy sources.
Solar electricity production and other renewable energy technologies
should be developed.
Wind power for electricity generation should be developed in suitable
areas and for e. g. pumping water in the agricultural sector.
Losses for unpaid electrical consumption should be minimized by
improving control and billing approaches. Technical losses should be
reduced by upgrading the distributions systems and adopting regular
maintenance and repair procedures.
Household Sector
Solar energy technologies to heat buildings and water should be
promoted.
Economic incentives should be applied to speed up the change towards
solar collectors for water heating as well as for production of the heating
units.
Transportation Sector
Fuel efficiency should be enhanced.
Public transportation systems, rail and water bound transportation systems
for passengers and heavy cargo should be developed to minimise fuel
consumption.

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Transportation of oil and gas by trucks should be decreased by introducing
rail and pipeline infrastructure.
More environmental friendly fuels should be promoted in the transportation
sector. Natural gas should be introduced together with public
transportation systems and its use should be promoted among private car
owners by stimulating the import of bi-fuel cars and by supplying gasoline
stations with the appropriate equipment.
Industrial Sector
Energy strategies should be considered when locating new industries with
high demand of energy.
Energy conservation strategies should be developed for industries.
Post and telecommunication sectors should be improved to minimise
transportation and its energy consumption.
Energy and Research
Comprehensive research programmes on energy should be expanded.
Energy research on renewable energy sources should be intensified at the
University of Rwanda.
Electricity consumption meters should be installed free of charge for all
consumers.
Oil and Natural Gas Systems
A refinery should be built in Gisenyi to meet local demand for refined oil
products.
Oil and gas pipelines should be constructed to better connect gas
fields with gas processing plants, ports, storage facilities, distribution
centres, power plants and consumers.
Local gas distribution networks should be built for all major towns (in
connection with improved water, sanitation and also fiber optics
networks.)
Figure 9: Sites for Potential Development of Energy
Figure 10: Areas and Nodes of National Interest for Energy Production
(Next 2 pages)

GUIDELINES – TECHNICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Plans to improve the technical infrastructure for the energy sector should
be carried out in co-ordination with the technical infrastructure plans of the
water, transport and telecommunications sectors. Co-ordination should be
established with the district planning authorities as well.
Electricity Systems
Underground electrical cables should be used in cities to make distribution
transformers and switch boards inaccessible to the public. Maintenance
schedules need to be implemented and regular electricity delivery secured.

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REFFERENCES LIST OF FIGURES

GOR (2000) Vision 2020. Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Republic of
Rwanda (GOR), Kigali.
GOR (2007) Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS),
2008-2012. Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), Kigali.
MININFRA (2008). Biomass Strategic Workshop, 30th April 2008. Ministry of
Infrastructure (MININFRA), Kigali
FIGURE 1: DOMESTIC USE OF FIREWOOD. ....................................................................3
FIGURE 2: ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN RWANDA ..........................................................3
FIGURE 3: OIL CONSUMPTION IN RWANDA FOR 2004-2007........................................6
FIGURE 4: OIL PRICES IN RWANDA FOR 2005-2006.....................................................6
FIGURE 5: POWER LINES AND TRANSFORMERS ..........................................................7
FIGURE 6: TOTAL GENERATION AND LOSS OF ELECTRICITY, .....................................9
FIGURE 7: TOTAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION PER SECTOR BY TYPE OF ENERGY .......10
FIGURE 8: DISTRICT CENTRES CONNECTED TO THE NATIONAL GRID 2010.............12
FIGURE 9: SITES FOR POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY..................................15
FIGURE 10: AREAS AND NODES OF NATIONAL INTEREST FOR ENERGY ..................15

MININFRA (2008). Energy Sector Strrategy, August 2008. Ministry of Infrastructure

(MININFRA), Kigali

MININFRA (2009). Electricity, MININFRA website. Ministry of Infrastructure LIST OF TABLES

(MININFRA), Kigali. Also available on: http://minfra.gov.rw
MININFRA (2009). Hydrocarbons. MININFRA website. Ministry of Infrastructure
(MININFRA), Kigali. Also available on: http://mininfra.gov.rw
TABLE 1: OIL IMPORTS IN COMPARISON WITH CONSUMPTION 2004-2007......................5
TABLE 2: CURRENT ELECTRICITY GENERATION CAPACITY..............................................7
TABLE 3: POWER SUPPLY 2010 FROM DIFFERENT TYPES OF POWER PLANTS ............11

MINICOM (2010) , Petrolium Unit, Oil imports and Consumption

MINICOM (2010), Petrolium Unit , Oil Prices on Pump

Rwanda Electricity Corperation (RECO) (2009). Electrogaz 2007-2008 Annual

reports., Electrogaz, Kigali

NISR, Statistical year Book, Edition 2009. also available on: www.statistics.gov.rw

NISR, Household conditions of living survey II (2005/2006). Also available at:

http://www.statistics.gov.rw

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