The energy sector policy released by the Ministry of Infrastructure in February 2025 states that Rwanda's power plants have achieved a total capacity of 406.4 megawatts.
Statistics show that 27% of this electricity is generated from hydroelectric power, while methane gas contributes 21.1%, and diesel accounts for 7%.
Beyond hydropower, Rwanda began producing electricity from methane gas in 2015, initially generating 26.4 megawatts. By the end of 2024, this capacity had risen to 82.4 megawatts.
Currently, coal-fired power plants contribute 85 megawatts, while solar power plants generate 12 megawatts.
The Rusumo Hydropower Plant, a joint project between Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania, began supplying electricity to the regional grid last year. This plant has a total capacity of 80 megawatts, evenly distributed among the three countries.
According to the Rwanda Energy Group (REG), hydropower accounts for 43.9% of the country's electricity production, while solar energy contributes 4.2%.
Electricity access in Rwanda has reached 81.4% of households, with 56.5% connected to the national grid and 24.9% relying on alternative sources, primarily solar energy.
Gakenke District currently has the highest electricity access rate at 99.3%, followed by Muhanga at 98.8%. Nyabihu District has the lowest access rate, with 69.9% of households connected to electricity.
By 2024, a total of 2,227.6 kilometers of roads had been electrified, with a goal of reaching 3,237 kilometers by 2029.
Electricity losses due to technical issues or other factors stand at 18.9%.
The Ministry of Infrastructure states that in the next five years, newly completed hydroelectric plants will add 81 megawatts to the grid, including the Nyabarongo II plant, which will generate 45 megawatts.
The national energy policy aims to expand electricity production from various sources by 2034, including hydroelectricity, methane gas, coal, and wind power, while reducing the impact of climate change.
By 2034, planned hydropower projects include Rusizi III, expected to generate 68 megawatts, Rusizi IV with 95 megawatts, and Nsongezi, which will contribute 12 megawatts.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-s-electricity-generation-grows-to-406-4-megawatts
