Rwanda Least Cost Power Generation and Net Zero

As part of a consortium led by the Research Triangle Institute (RTI), CCS is supporting USAID Power Africa East Africa Energy Program (EAEP), which covers the nations of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia,  Tanzania, and Uganda. Our work includes a range of technical and collaborative activities designed to expand low carbon, affordable and reliable electricity services in East Africa, with the ultimate goal of supporting development priorities, including inclusive economic growth, security, and improved health and education outcomes. 

We have assessed the potential for a full suite of priority electricity generation resources in Rwanda (hydro, wind, solar, geothermal, methane, waste to energy, and peat) to meet growing national and local needs while also addressing other priorities, such as environmental impacts and investment. This assessment was conducted through geospatial analysis using a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool to identify physical resources availability and technical potential, and through energy demand and supply scenarios modeling using the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP). CCS has conducted also capacity-building sessions with staff of the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and the Rwanda Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) on the use of LEAP for future updated of the country’s Least Cost Power Development Plan.

Building on carbon neutral electricity generation scenarios developed with LEAP, CCS completed a second assessment to include other energy sectors (transportation, buildings) and non-energy sectors (agriculture, forestry and waste) and identified a more specific set of mitigation strategies that defines Rwanda’s path towards its NDC net zero target by 2050.

Rwanda Electricity Sector Resource Assessment - Final Report