The Governments of Rwanda and China sign a framework agreement that will allow China to construct Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant. The dam will be implemented through China Exim Bank by extending a concessional loan worth $214 million.
The project will have three components. These include 43.5 MW hydropower plant, substation, and 110KV transmission line covering 19.2 km from the power plant to Rulindo sub-station. Additionally, he plant is expected to be completed in 2025.
Importantly, the hydropower plant is expected to employ more than 700 Rwandans during construction peak period. Additionally, the project will also use domestic construction materials including sand, stones, wood, and cement among others. Only electrical and electromechanical equipment are expected to be imported.
Noteworthy, the project entails a 48m high concrete gravity dam with a crest of 228m and a surface power station.
Also Read: Muvumba Multipurpose Dam and Power Plant in Rwanda
Significance of Nyaborongo II Hydroelectric Dam to Rwanda’s economy
Furthermore, there are several power plant projects in the pipeline that are expected to bring more power on-grid. These include 49 MW from Rusizi Hydro Power III where (147MW) will be shared between Rwanda, DRC, and Burundi. Additionally, 27 MW from Rusumo Hydro where 80 MW will be shared between Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. Moreover, 80MW from Hakan Peat to Power Project and 50 MW from Symbion Methane Gas Project. Additional 40 MW is expected to be generated from other micro or mini-hydro projects that are at different development stages.
The Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant will cater for water supply, irrigation as well as electrical power generation.
Moreover, the project is also envisaged to mitigate the perpetual flooding downstream of the Nyabarongo River. Floods have caused havoc and proved to be hazardous in recent years.
Once commissioned after a construction period of 56 months, the project will reduce reliance on non-renewable energy resources. Additionally, the project will cater for electricity generation and contribute to the stability of the grid.
Importantly, Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant is expected to create jobs for Rwandans during and after the construction of the plant.
