Construction works for the Nyabarongo I Hydroelectric Power Plant in Rwanda officially began in the late 2010s. The public project was developed by the Government of Rwanda at an estimated cost of US$110 million.
The facility features a dam with a run-of-river design, across the River Mwogo, one of the tributaries of the Nyabarongo River. Its construction was completed in 2014. The construction works were carried out by Angelique International Limited and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited of India. Part of the projects engineering work was subcontracted to the Australian company Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC)
To date, Nyabarongo I Hydroelectric Power Plant is the largest hydropower installation in Rwanda. It generates electric power of 28MW.
Reported On 16 March 2015
Indian companies to construct 28mw hydropower plant in Rwanda
Construction of 28 megawatts (MW) hydropower plant is underway in Rwanda. Two Indian companies are to build the plant, whose completion is by July this year; a Rwanda government official has said. The new hydropower plant will see Rwanda adding 28 megawatts of power to the national grid to be added in this year.
Construction of the power plant was inaugurated by President Kagame on March 5 according to Rwanda Energy Group Limited (REG Ltd).
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The Nyabarongo Hydroelectric Power Plant as it is called will be located in the North West part of Rwanda, and construction works are under Bharath Heavy Electrical Ltd (BHEL) and Angelique international ltd (AIL).
The two Indian firms signed an engineering procurement construction contract with the Rwandan government for the hydroelectric power plant, which has received a US$91m loan from the Export-Import Bank of India.
Steady Progress
The Rwandese government approved the hydropower project in 2007. To obtain more electricity for the high demand experience in the country. Furthermore, it aims to reduce the power price hence promoting economic growth in the country. Construction of the Nyabarongo Hydroelectric Power Plant had been delayed by a lack of funds for the project.
He also said that, with the completion of the 28 megawatts, another 70 megawatts to be done, before the end of the year. It will potentially, open new frontiers to drive the country’s socio-economic transformation to another level.
The country wants to shift to more renewable. Forecasts state 60% of consumption in the country will come from renewable by 2020. Moreover, the country is currently generating power mainly from hydro. Meanwhile, 80% of this is served to Kigali city dwellers where only 5% of Rwandans are living in.
Sep 2017
Nyabarongo I Hydro Power Station to Give Rwanda a Competitive Edge
The completion of the construction of the Nyabarongo hydropower project in the western part of Rwanda is one landmark that promises to provide residents with reliable power. The project is the largest hydropower installation in Rwanda. It contributes more than 28MW of electricity to the national grid.
The development of a modernized energy system for developing countries especially has been a significant challenge to energy utilities. The completion of this mega project in Rwanda should give African economies hope and reassurance on why it is important to invest in the energy industry.
In rural areas, the main source of electrification is diesel generators. Their progressive use is becoming unsuitable and very expensive. As a result, investing in clean energy is yet another lesson for many African economies.
The Nyabaroingo project is a manifestation of how Rwanda takes the energy sector as an important pillar of economic development. Hopefully, continuous investment in the energy sector and the introduction of new technologies will make Rwanda a conducive place for business.
Such an investment means more private investments. There will also be increased access to electricity and a reduction in the cost of production.
Power Partnership
The partnership between Angelique International, Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited, and the government made constructing this mega plant possible. It is now helping shape the country’s social economic structures through increased power connectivity.
This clearly shows that investing in energy projects can be more productive when all stakeholders contribute.
Ravu Venugopala Rao, the vice President, of Angelique International Limited recently said  “The completion of Rwanda’s mega power plant at Nyabarongo waterfalls is a boon for the people of Rwanda by all standards. There is therefore no price tag one can put on the project that has cost the country more than $110 million
Such a project could only see a reduction in government expenditure on the importation of diesel. This is from a tune of $12.9 million every month to at least $7.4 million.
