Off-grid energy sources key to Rwanda's push for universal power access

The off-grid renewable energy sector has the potential to be one of the key drivers of Rwanda’s growth. Renewable energy experts say the sector is expanding rapidly, noting that Rwanda has plenty of potential yet to be exploited, particularly for a country gifted with natural resources like sunshine, and a business friendly ecosystem. Joshua King, MeshPower Rwanda country manager, says over 75 per cent of Rwandans are currently not connected to the national grid, making off-grid systems vital in efforts geared at ensuring universal access to electricity. “Off-grid systems are particularly useful in hard-to-reach, rural areas where there is high demand for entry level services, such as powering homes and small businesses and phone charging,” he said. He added that it is encouraging that the government supports private sector initiatives that provide off-grid solar systems like Meshpower. “Off-grid systems combined with the extension of the national grid will enable the country achieve its target of universal electrification quickly, and more efficiently,” he said. MeshPower Rwanda is a subsidiary of MeshPower, UK and provides solar-powered nanogrids to communities without access to the national grid in the developing world. King said the firm supports government initiatives that promote access to green, reliable and affordable energy. “We look forward to further collaboration… The government is currently supporting MeshPower through the national environment and climate change fund (known by its French acronym, FONERWA,” he said as he announced the firm’s 1,000th customer, adding that nanogrid technology will transform local electricity provision. Jeanette Uwamahoro, a young farmer in Nganwa village, Bugesera District became the 1,000th customer of MeshPower Rwanda, after she acquired a system that will power LED lights and a mobile phone charger in her home for the first time. “We were tired of ‘living in the dark’…Besides, the MeshPower facility is cheaper than the batteries we were using. I am now planning to buy a radio and TV set since we now have constant power,” Uwamahoro told reporters. King believes nanogrid technology will transform local electricity provision, increasing access to power among rural communities not served by the national grid. He explained that a MeshPower solar-powered nanogrid has the capacity to provide electricity to up to 100 different homes and small businesses in a rural village at a time. Each village shares the power generated on solar panels, but every customer has their own individual account and can use the electricity to power different equipment. He said Uwamahoro’s system currently uses two LED lights, and has a phone charger. “Reaching 1,000 customers in Rwanda is an important milestone for MeshPower, but is just the beginning of an even more successful journey. We can deliver inexpensive, green, 24 hour electricity to off-grid customers all over the country opening up economic and social opportunities that have been previously unavailable to them,” King said last week. He said the firm is currently rolling out its services in Ngoma and Bugesera districts, but noted that they plan to expand to other areas soon. “We target anyone that wants more than just a solar lantern. Because the energy generated is shared on the nanogrid systems, and serve needs of all customers, from individuals in small households to larger shops and bars,” he said. The MeshPower system provides lighting and phone charging facilities, among others. The firm that opened shop in 2014 currently offers affordable, reliable and clean energy to 45 different villages in the Bugesera District. Though the renewable energy sector has huge potential to drive growth, King notes it still faces numerous challenges. “The main challenge is to unlock the levels of funding required to deliver affordable electricity access to everyone in Rwanda, particularly in remote areas of the country,” he said. He noted that this is stifling its potential to serve more Rwandans that do not access the national power grid.

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Off-grid energy sources key to Rwanda's push for universal power access