Private sector extolled for taking lead to achieving universal energy access targets

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Eng. Patricie Uwase has hailed the Private Sector for ongoing efforts to support Government of Rwanda efforts towards achieving the targets of universal electricity access by 2024 as enshrined in the National Strategy for Transformation 2017-2024.

Uwera lauded the private sector efforts Tuesday as the 3^rd edition Renewable Energy for Sustainable Growth RE4sG- Conference kicked off at Kigali Convention Center.

The two-day conference hosted by Energy Private Developers (EPD) runs from 5^th to 6th November 2019.

Energy Private Developers (EPD), is a registered professional association in Rwanda that brings together private companies operating in the energy sector.

As he addressed participants at the opening of the conference, Uwase expressed optimism that the private sector will continue to maintain the lead in driving electrification programs.

“On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, I am delighted to officiate the 3^rd edition Renewable Energy for Sustainable Growth Conference. Every year we have the opportunity to come to a similar conference and it is going to be a very good platform to discuss issues in the energy sector,” she said.

“Our targets in this sector are very ambitious; we need to have achieved universal electricity access by 2024. I would like to thank the organizers of this conference to have thought of this very planned addition to our journey towards universal access. We do hope the private sector will continue to take lead in driving these efforts,” she added.

Dr Ivan Twagirishema, the Chairman of Energy Private Developers said that the conference has not only built energy brand but a strong energy platform since it launched three years ago.

“The annual renewable energy for sustainable growth conference has created a platform for Rwanda’s renewable energy market while providing a platform where both local, international investors and sector’s stakeholders can come together to explore the available market opportunities, challenges and possible solutions not only in Rwanda but also considering the global and African market,” he said.

This year’s edition was organized under the theme, ‘Promoting Universal Green Energy Access in Africa’.

According to African Development Bank,  over 640,000, 000 Africans have no access to energy.

Rwanda is committed to universal access to electricity by 2024 with off-grid solutions contributing up to 48 per cent as on-grid solutions contribute 52 per cent of national electrification.

Twagirishema reiterated EPD’s commitment to support these efforts.

“Access to energy is crucial not only for domestic use and electrification outcomes but also for reducing the cost of doing businesses and unlocking economic potential and creation of jobs. Rwanda set a target of 100% electricity access by 2024. EPD will play a significant role in achieving this ambitious target,” he said.

The Deputy RDB CEO, Zephanie Niyonkuru emphasized that the country has got ambitious targets in energy sector due to the role it plays in catalyzing the overall economic development.

“RDB has been definitely working with energy developers to make sure that we meet the targets in the National Strategy for Transformation so that we can also catalyze social economic development through a variety of economic activities,” he noted.

“We are happy with the initiatives that have been going on and the activities that the association has been carrying out and we are open for more discussions especially when it comes to anything that the Government of Rwanda might need to do so as to facilitate the energy sector,” explained Niyonkuru.

The conference features panel discussions from different energy stakeholders on different themes aimed at discussing opportunities, challenges in the energy sector and how to address them.

As he featured on the panel with other energy stakeholders from BBOXX and Power Africa, Sanday Kabarebe, the CEO of EPD, observed that there is a positive impact in the renewable energy sector and hinted on the role of the private sector in universal energy access.

“The Government of Rwanda has embraced the fact that the private sector should take lead in development of the country. An organized private sector is very key and crucial in working together with the government in setting policies and addressing some policy issues,” he said.

“EPD impact is very crucial in making sure that Rwanda achieves universal energy access targets.   The market is open and the private sector players I represent are very positive taking this opportunity to work with the government and development partners to make sure that we achieve universal access. Keeping an organized sector, collaboration with government and other partners will propel us towards reaching the targets,”

On the first day, panelists discussed Renewable Energy Status in Rwanda, E-mobility, Achieving Universal Solar home energy access through Solar Home Systems, Mini grids and technologies to reach Universal Energy Access, the role of Hydro Power in Rwanda’s Energy Mix and Closing the role of Gender Gap in Rwanda’s Energy Sector among others.