Rwanda - Regional Rusumo Falls Hydropower Project

The Regional Rusumo Falls Hydropower Project development is a transformative generation and transmission integration initiative that would enable Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi to jointly have access to the benefits of the large and diverse potential of the region’s energy sources. The overall project are two main components: (i) an 80 MW hydropower generation plant at an estimated cost of US$ 340 million; and (ii) transmission lines and substations at a total estimated cost of US$ 121 million. The 80 MW of power generated will be shared equally by the three countries. Its implementation will increase renewable (hydro) electricity supply capacity to address the power deficit and allow the countries to address their low energy access rates. Rwanda and Tanzania will be able to displace some of the energy generated from high cost imported fuel with cheaper hydro power; thereby contributing to the reduction of the current electricity tariff. In Burundi, the project will provide 50% of the current peak power demand and this will allow the country to expand its access and other economic activities, and reduce CO2 emissions considerably. AfDB Group allocated a total of UA 64.492 million from ADF and UA 6.5 million from NTF resources. An additional UA 10.73 million from the EU–Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund towards finance the transmission lines component from the Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Plant to the national networks of Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania. It's expected to be implemented and completed by August 2018.