Open AccessSolar-powered mini-grids and smart metering systems, the solution to Rwanda energy crisis
Author(s) -
Jean De Dieu Niyonteze,
Fumin Zou,
Godwin Norense Osarumwense Asemota,
Samuel Bimenyimana
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of physics. conference series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.21
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1742-6596
pISSN - 1742-6588
DOI - 10.1088/1742-6596/1311/1/012002
Subject(s) - population , electrification , business , environmental economics , private sector , government (linguistics) , electricity , economics , economic growth , engineering , linguistics , philosophy , demography , sociology , electrical engineering
As the population and economy of Rwanda continue to grow, the energy consumption in Rwanda has shown a continuous rise correspondingly to the population and modern socio-economic life desired in the past few decades. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Rwanda household access to electricity increased to 52% by September 2018. Not only does 48% of Rwanda’s population have no electricity, but also the grid is not stable where persistent power failures occur. However, the government has invested in the power sector in order to achieve 100% access to electricity for all population by 2024.To ensure that the country gets affordable and reliable power supply, it needs very strong energy sector’s projects, policy and private partners to achieve these objectives. In this paper, policy and semi-private operator model were proposed where solar-powered mini-grids and smart metering systems will provide a sustainable solution to the energy crisis by increasing electricity reliability and providing power to different energy consumers. The challenges discussed include community engagement, financial and technical. The focus is on the partnership between the government through local people and private partners by maximizing investor attraction, mutual profitability, intense model and reliable or inexpensive energy for the population. The continuation of policy supports would be necessary for this century to maintain and enhance the growth of solar energy in this country which is the essential strategy for rural electrification, for climate change and low carbon footprint development.