Kigali to host global energy summit

Rwanda will be looking to lure more investors during the forthcoming 3rd annual energy summit due to take place later this year in Kigali. According to Jean Bosco Mugiraneza, the chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Energy Group (REG), the 3rd edition of the iPAD Rwanda Energy Infrastructure forum will be aiming at selling the country’s energy potential to world investors. The summit to be held in November on a yet to be confirmed day, is expected to attract more than 500 energy experts, investors and policy makers to deliberate on strategies to increase energy generation, distribution and supply in the most efficient and effective ways. According to Mugiraneza, such events will boost the country’s efforts to meet the national energy supply targets. “The 2-day forum provides market entry for international as well as local investors, financiers, project developers, advisors, technology and solution providers to join together in dynamic interactive discussions to develop the sector efficiently and effectively, setting clear strategies and public private partnerships for success,” Mugiraneza said adding that the networking business opportunities cannot be underestimated. The objective is to be able to provide information for both international and local investors about opportunities in credible business consortiums and design business plans that will help increase energy supply in the country. Rwanda’s installed power generation capacity stands at 186 megawatts, against a target of 563 megawatts by 2018. The country is also targeting to increase connectivity to more than 70 per cent of the population by the same time. Currently, the country’s hydro electricity generation capacity accounts for 97.37 megawatts, thermal power at 51.7 megawatts, methane 3.6 megawatts, while 8.75 megawatts is produced from solar energy. Other efforts to increase power supply include importing 30 megawatts from Kenya – expected by end of 2016 – and another 400 megawatts from Ethiopia by 2018. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Kigali to host global energy summit