Energy in Rwanda - a synopsis

Wood and hydroelectric power are currently Rwanda"s two main energy sources. Forested areas are declining by about 1,600 ha/yr and wooded commune areas are almost depleted due to charcoal production and the daily use of wood for cooking and heating by over 90% of the population. Since 1978, the GOR has attempted to control cutting activities through a forestry management program. Hydroelectric power is the country"s main source of energy for industry, the public sector, and a few urban areas. This power is supplied by two main stations: Ruzizi I, 28.2 megawatts (MW), and Ntaruka, 11.25 MW. Future hydro needs will be met by the construction of new large hydroelectric stations, i.e., Mukungwa station in 1981, Ruzizi II and Gihira stations in 1985, and Rusumo falls station in the 1990"s. Distribution relies on two high-tension lines which link Ntaruka and Ruzizi with Kigali and on several medium-tension lines which extend this network to urban centers. Due to Rwanda"s scattered settlement pattern, hydroelectric power will not reach most households, but will continue to be the major source of energy for Rwanda"s industries. The existence of 50-60,000 million cubic meters of methane gas, suitable for use as is or for the production of urea-based fertilizer and methanol, could help meet Rwanda"s future energy needs. However, exploitation is slow due to unresolved technical problems, high costs, low demand, and the need to share the resources with Zaire. With reserves of from 5-50 million tons, peat could be substituted for charcoal, but it too is not being heavily exploited because it is generally of poor quality and not easily accessible and because Rwanda lacks the drainage structures needed to excavate it. Non-traditional energy sources are being studied by the Centre d"Etudes et d"Applications de l"Energie au Rwanda which tests appropriate technologies in solar power, wind, biogas, and geothermal energy.