Rwanda is examining possibilities through which it can manufacture turbines for small and micro hydropower plants as a way of cutting energy cost.

"We are convinced that Rwanda will also be able to manufacture turbines for pico and micro installations, locally, which will allow us to lower costs and improve local skills,” State Minister in Charge of Energy and Water, Eng. Coletha U. Ruhamya, said

She made the revelations on Friday last week during a ceremony to award certificates to 30 hydro power engineers who completed a course in hydropower engineering.

Rwanda will also be able to achieve its ambitious targets of increasing electricity generation capacity to about 1,000 MW within the next seven years, up from the 67 MW that is produced currently, the Minister said.

She underscored that the country has a big potential for small and micro hydropower plants, which after their development can increase electricity supply to the local population.

"In this way, Rwanda will benefit from hydropower development for both electricity generation and access that will spur local business, as well as providing opportunities for local businesses to develop energy projects.”

While she recognises the country’s huge potential, the Minister is aware of the existing skills gap in the energy sector, which limits the sector’s production to meet the huge demand for electricity.

"We are specifically looking at the trainees who have just completed their hydropower training to get involved in those local projects and be a driving force in partnering with other companies to develop new sites and manage the ones that are currently under construction,” she said.

Eva Pual, the project head at the Ministry said that 30 engineers were trained by Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre, Zambia in hydro power skills and are expected to use the skills to contribute towards achieving electricity generation and access targets.

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