Nyabarongo II Multipurpose Project

Nyabarongo II (43.5MW) is a multipurpose project expected to cater for water supply, irrigation as well as electrical power generation. The project is also envisaged to mitigate the perpetual flooding downstream of the Nyabarongo River has proved to be hazardous in recent years. The project is fully funded by the Government of Rwanda started in 2019 and is expected to be completed in 2025. The project consists of a 48m high concrete gravity dam with a crest of 228m and a surface power station with 2*8.5MW Keplan turbines just situated at the dam toe.

Period

7 years

Status

Ongoing

Source of funds

GoR

Climate Action Plan

The Nyabugogo 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 Nyabugogo project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power generation (e.g. peat, diesel oil).

Rationale

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

Project Outcome

  • Generate 43.5MW of power output 

Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy

Programme of Action

Programme 5: Low Carbon Energy Mix Powering the National Grid

Actions

Strategy for Oil-Fuelled Generation Phase Out