Rusizi III Hydropower Project

The Rusizi III Hydropower project was developed under the Economic Community of Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) umbrella for Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The hydropower plant will generate 147MW and the power output will be shared among the three partner states, with Rwanda getting 47MW and the remainder being shared between Burundi and the DRC.

Period

7 years

Status

Ongoing

Source of funds

ADB,EU,WB

Implementing organisation

REG/EDCL

Contact Person

Jean Damasecene Harerimana

Position

Hydropower Development Specialist

Location

Kigali

Email

dharerimana@edcl.reg.rw

Phone

+250788463929

Rationale

The government of Rwanda planned to electrify all households at 100% by 2024. This target is mainly focusing on favouring renewable energy, which helps in climate change mitigation. It is in this respect, the Rusizi III project, will contribute to the target as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Project Outcome

  • Generate 147MW of power output to be shared between Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC.

Climate Action Plan

The Rusizi III project will contribute to climate action through grid-connected hydropower generation. The main target in Rwanda’s NDC climate action plan is to develop 56.75 MW of large hydro capacity (capacity> 5 MW), 24.5 MW small and mini-hydro projects (capacity <5MW), and 75 MW of regional projects by 2030. The Rusizi III project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power generation (e.g. peat, diesel oil).

Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy

Programmes of Action

Programme 5: Low carbon mix of power generation for national grid

Actions

Strategy for oil-fuelled generation phase-out

Documents

Videos

Updates