Energy Private Developers (EPD) and BK Foundation, on November 15, 2024, at EPD head office, signed an agreement to empower 141 households in Nyanza and Ruhango districts with solar power kits for sustainable lighting as well as improved cookstoves.

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The support aims to reduce pressure on forests by households seeking charcoal and firewood for cooking.

The MoU was signed between BK Foundation Executive Secretary Ingrid Karangwayire and EPD Chairperson Dr Ivan Twagirashema.

Energy Private Developers (EPD) is a registered professional association in Rwanda, regrouping over 200 private companies operating in the energy sector which comprises solar power, mini-grid, C&I, hydropower, clean cooking, methane gas, e-mobility, Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) plus a female subsector to empower more women in energy transition.

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BK Foundation, which is partnering with EPD, is a philanthropic organisation that supports education innovation and environmental conservation initiatives in Rwanda.

Serge Wilson Muhizi, the CEO of Energy Private Developers (EPD), said the partnership with BK Foundation aims to contribute to government efforts in ensuring 100 per cent access to electricity. The access to electricity is currently at 80 per cent.

"We need both on-grid and off-grid energy. EPD and our partners such as BK Foundation are striving to contribute to fixing the 20 per cent gap to ensure universal access to electricity as we give back to the Rwandan community,” he said.

He said that after providing households in Ruhango and Nyanza districts with sustainable lighting and improved cookstoves, the work will continue in other districts as EPD gets more partners.

"A family will receive three lights, a 20watt battery, and phone charger, in addition to an improved cookstove which uses less firewood and charcoal to reduce pressure on forests,” he explained.

Karangwayire said partnering with EPD in providing sustainable lighting and improved cookstoves is part of its environmental protection pillar.

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"The world is facing climate change effects. As part of social responsibility, we have to empower citizens in terms of environmental protection. BK also plants trees. Recently we planted 20,000 trees in Kayonza District. Last year, we also provided 20 women with electric motorcycles. This year we are partnering with EPD to provide solar kits and improved cook stoves to reduce harm to the environment and reduce carbon footprint,” she explained.

"Partnership with BK Foundation is a boost to our association. We are proud to work with the biggest player on the market, and we are looking forward to having more philanthropic institutions and interested partners join this initiative, added Twagirashema, EPD chairperson.