M a r k e t N e w s
Rwanda: Public, Private Sector Partnership Key to Achieving Electrification Targets - Govt
Posted on : Tuesday , 18th October 2016
The Ministry of Infrastructure (MINIFRA) has said partnership mechanisms between the public and private sectors will enable government to achieve the 2017/2018 electrification targets.
The remarks were made yesterday following the signing of agreements between Energy Development Corporation ltd (EDCL) and 13 more companies to provide off grid solutions country wide.
2017/2018 government's electrification target is to make sure that 48% of households be supplied by national grid. The remaining 22% will be electrified with off-grid solutions such as mini-grids (small hydro, solar and hybrid systems) and standalone Photovoltaic (PV) systems.
"Cooperation agreements with off grid Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for providing access to electricity in off grid areas of Rwanda were done and government encourages the private sector to participate in implementing the energy programs," says MININFRA.
According to the agreement, IPPs will be responsible for supplying, installing and providing maintenance services of installed systems, while EDCL will be responsible for the project supervision and coordination with beneficiaries and other government institutions.
The systems to be installed will be in line with rural electrification strategy whereby low-income households will access modern energy services through a basic solar system as a basic necessity.
The government will establish a risk-mitigation facility targeting the private sector such that solar products will be made available on financial terms that the population can afford.
Mini-grids will be developed by the private sector with government playing a key role in identifying sites, and establishing a framework through which these can become financially viable investments.
Source : allafrica.com
