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Rwanda: Planned Generation and Transmission Capacities [free access]

According to the Rwanda Least Cost Power Development Plan (LCPDP) 2019–2040, Rwanda is expected to add 284 MW of generation capacity during 2020–25. The least cost study has been segmented into two phases—the immediate period (2019–2025) and 2026–2040, in line with the long-term nature of energy infrastructure investments. As per the study, the majority of  the addition of 169 MW, or 59 per cent, is expected to be hydro-based, followed by thermal capacity accounting for 25 per cent, while the remaining 15 per cent will be from other sources. Meanwhile, the electricity demand in the country is expected to reach 281 MW by 2029.

Figure 1: Expected growth in electricity demand in Rwanda (MW)  

   Source: Rwanda Least Cost Power Development Plan (LCPDP) 2019–2040; Global Transmission Research

REG is currently undertaking various transmission and substation projects across the country and is expected to invest close to USD229 million between 2020–26 towards the expansion of its high voltage grid network. The majority or 87 per cent of this investments is expected to be at 110 kV.

The county is expected to add close to 531 km of transmission lines and 421 MVA of transformation capacity at the 110 kV and 220 kV voltage levels. It will also add 10 substations during 2020–26, with 9 of them at 110 kV.

Figure 2: Planned transmission network capacity addition in Rwanda (2020–26)

Figure 3: Planned investment in transmission network in Rwanda 2020–26 (USD million)

Source: Rwanda Energy Grroup (REG); Global Transmission Research

Some of the key upcoming projects include the 110 kV Rukarara–Huye–Gisagara transmission line, the 110 kV Rwabusoro Bugesera IP transmission line, and the 220 kV Bwishyura Kamanyola–Rusizi III transmission project. The table below lists some of the key transmission projects that are either being implemented or will be implemented across the country.

Table 1: Key upcoming transmission projects

Source: Global Transmission Research