Rusumo Falls Hydro Power Project

The project is being developed under NELSAP umbrella for Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania funded by the World Bank. Rusumo falls Hydropower Project is planned to generate 80 MW and the power output will be shared equally by three countries. The project consists of a concrete dam with a crest length of 150m, a Headrace Tunnel of 460m, and a surface power station with 3*30MW Kaplan turbines.

Period

11 years

Status

Ongoing

Source of funds

AfDB,KfW,NDA,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 favoring renewable energy, which helps in climate change mitigation. It is in this respect, the Rusumo project, will contribute to the target as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Project outcomes 

Generation of 80 MW shared between Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania

Climate Action Plan

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

Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy

Programme of Action

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

Actions

Strategy for oil-fuelled generation phase-out

Documents

Videos

Updates