Rwanda: EDCL promotes diversified power generation strategy
Posted on : Wednesday , 9th August 2017
The Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL) is calling for a diversified power generation strategy to ease access to electricity and increase the country's generation capacity.
This was highlighted by the company’s managing director, Emmanuel Kamanzi, who said diversifying power generation would ensure that more Rwandans access on-grid and off-grid power sources.
According to The New Times, Kamanzi was speaking during the launch of Mobisol's new solar TV, in Kigali.
It is reported that currently, 34.5% of Rwandan households are connected to electricity compared to 10.8% about eight years ago.
Power generation capacity
The country's total installed electricity generation capacity is reported to stand at 208,36MW.
Government seeks to increase off-grid power solutions to at least 22% or about 530,000 households in the medium-term through partnership with the private sector.
Kamanzi said the power utility is seeking power generation investors and energy sector-related equipment vendors to deepen access and help bring down prices, media reported.
"Though there are already many products on the market, the government is looking to make energy-related equipment easily accessible and affordable for all citizens," he said.
He assured the public of quality, saying Rwanda Standards Board always tests all the products brought on market for quality.
"It is our responsibility as implementers of government programmes to test the standards of all equipment before they are allowed on market. We also look at the cost because we don't want businesses to take advantage of citizens."
Diversified power generation strategy
While at the event, Kamanzi also emphasised the role that solar power can play in the rollout of electricity in the country.
"We urge people to embrace the different technologies being introduced in the country as they will help you to improve your standards of living," he said.
Meanwhile, the Mobisol business and customer strategy head, Frida Wintelmann, said: "We are committed to supporting the government efforts geared at electrifying 70% of the Rwandan households by 2018."
Mobisol, which has been active in the Rwandan market for over three years, has connected close to 21,000 households to power using its solar house systems, media noted.
Source : https://www.esi-africa.com
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