Rwanda’s Off-Grid Solar Performance Targets

Asemota, Godwin Norense Osarumwense

doi:10.1016/j.joule.2020.12.016

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 7 publications

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“…In recent years, research on the impact of PU has grown in Rwanda [4], [5]. Off-grid technologies have been analyzed mainly from a sustainability perspective related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [6]- [8], or from the techno-economic side [9], [10]. Studies focusing on MGs are scarce, and hydro resource attracts all the attention [11], [12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of Private Mini-Grid Development for Rural Rwanda

Fillol

Honkapuro

Annala

et al. 2022

2022 IEEE PES/IAS PowerAfrica

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Mini-grids are considered to play a critical role in achieving universal electrification. Yet, the sector faces many challenges. This study aims to analyze the technological innovation of nascent privately owned solar mini-grids operating in rural areas in Rwanda. A Technological Innovation System framework will be used to assess the development of this niche technology. A number of mini-grid developers have been involved in the analysis to support literature findings. Through this study, we evaluate the performance of the technology, identify barriers, and propose measures to allow transition from proof of concept to scale.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of Private Mini-Grid Development for Rural Rwanda

Fillol

Honkapuro

Annala

et al. 2022

2022 IEEE PES/IAS PowerAfrica

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Concentrated Solar Power and Photovoltaic Systems: A New Approach to Boost Sustainable Energy for All (Se4all) in Rwanda

Hagumimana

Zheng

Asemota

et al. 2021

International Journal of Photoenergy

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The energy sector of today’s Rwanda has made a remarkable growth to some extent in recent years. Although Rwanda has natural energy resources (e.g., hydro, solar, and methane gas, etc.), the country currently has an installed electricity generation capacity of only 226.7 MW from its 45 power plants for a population of about 13 million in 2021. The current national rate of electrification in Rwanda is estimated to 54.5% (i.e.; 39.7% grid-connected and 14.8% off-grid connected systems). This clearly demonstrates that having access to electricity is still a challenge to numerous people not to mention some blackout-related problems. With the ambition of having electricity for all, concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) systems are regarded as solutions to the lack of electricity. The production of CSP has still not been seriously considered in Rwanda, even though the technology has attracted significant global attention. Heavy usage of conventional power has led to the depletion of fossil fuels. At the same time, it has highlighted its unfriendly relationship with the environment because of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, which is a major cause of global warming. Solar power is another source of electricity that has the potential to generate electricity in Rwanda. Firstly, this paper summarizes the present status of CSP and PV systems in Rwanda. Secondly, we conducted a technoeconomic analysis for CSP and PV systems by considering their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). The input data of the SWOT analysis were obtained from relevant shareholders from the government, power producers, minigrid, off-grid, and private companies in Rwanda. Lastly, the technical and economical feasibilities of CSP and PV microgrid systems in off-grid areas of Rwanda were conducted using the system advisor model (SAM). The simulation results indicate that the off-grid PV microgrid system for the rural community is the most cost-effective because of its low net present cost (NPC). According to the past literature, the outcomes of this paper through the SWOT analyses and the results obtained from the SAM model, both the CSP and PV systems could undoubtedly play a vital role in Rwanda’s rural electrification. In fact, PV systems are strongly recommended in Rwanda because they are rapid and cost-effective ways to provide utility-scale electricity for off-grid modern energy services to the millions of people who lack electricity access.

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Multivariate Energy Efficiency Optimisation for Electricity Load Management

Asemota,

Ijumba

2024

Preprint

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Rwanda’s Off-Grid Solar Performance Targets

Cited by 3 publications

References 7 publications

Analysis of Private Mini-Grid Development for Rural Rwanda

Analysis of Private Mini-Grid Development for Rural Rwanda

Concentrated Solar Power and Photovoltaic Systems: A New Approach to Boost Sustainable Energy for All (Se4all) in Rwanda

Multivariate Energy Efficiency Optimisation for Electricity Load Management

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