Rwanda has begun constructing a renewable energy power plant worth 350 million USD, which will generate 80MW of electricity, reports New Times.
The peat energy plant being built in Gisagara district in Southern Rwanda is expected to connect more than 50 percent of the households in the area to the national grid by 2018.
“We are here to witness the groundbreaking of what will soon be one of the major power plants in our country, one that will help ensure not only a steady supply of power but also ensure efficient use of our sources,” said Rwanda’s Minister for Infrastructure, James Musoni.
The electricity project will provide over 1000 direct jobs during the construction and 200 jobs when it starts operation.
“Grab the jobs in this construction project and please start thinking about projects that will be enabled by electricity once the plant is completed in the next two years,” Musoni said while informing residents that the plant will create 1200 jobs.
The renewable energy plant will be constructed by Quantum Power, a Turkish company. The company is said to the first private company to establish a peat power plant in Africa. Quantum will operate the plant for 26 years after which it would transfer it to the Government of Rwanda.
A peat plant converts partially decayed vegetation or organic matter into fuel. Rwanda has a similar plant in operation – Gishoma peat – to – power energy plant in Rusizi district in the Western Province generating 15 MW.
Rwanda is planning top increase capacity significantly to more than 500MW in the next five years according to Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure.
