500 kW Gaseke Hydro Power Project

PROJECT SUMMARY: 
The 500 kW Gaseke Hydro Power Project is being constructed along the Gaseke River, downstream of Birambo Village in Busengo Sector, Gakenke District (Northern Province). The local community nearby to the power plant does not currently have access to electricity. The plant will house a 500 kW turbine and is expected to generate 3.3 million units of electricity per year.

This Green Fund investment will give the community easy access to power. In addition, Rwanda's national utility, the Rwanda Energy Corporation, will extend the national grid to off-take power from the hydro plant. It is estimated that the project will help reduce 3,321 tonnes Co2-e from being emitted into the atmosphere every year through the generation of clean and renewable energy.

The project has created at least eight full time green energy jobs and has hired more than 150 people from the local community during the ongoing construction phase. At the time of the project's commencement, Rwanda's average energy production costs stood at US c 30 per kWh due to expensive diesel generators (30 MW) being operated. This Green Fund investment will help reduce this high energy production price by providing cheaper and cleaner energy at US c 17.325 per kWh.

This project is being implemented by Novel Energy, a Rwandan renewable energy company.

Completed Project

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127716409@N05/albums/72157697748719125

Construction Phase

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127716409@N05/28981905172

FONERWA WINDOW/S: 
R&D TECH TRANSFER
KEY PROJECT OUTPUTS: 
1) Receiving all approvals from the Government of Rwanda for the development of the Gaseke HEP
2) Land acquired or leased
3) Construction begun and E&M equipment ordered
4) Connecting of the Gaseke HEP to the national grid