Rwanda Energy Group (REG) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Israel Electric Corporation (IEC), which will see the latter transfer its technical expertise in the energy sector to Rwandans. 

The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Infrastructure headquarters in Kigali between REG chief executive Jean Bosco Mugiraneza and IEC Senior Vice-President for Engineering Projects, Ron Weiss.

REG said in a statement that the MoU provides a framework to establish cooperation for technical support in areas of energy project development and energy transmission and distribution in order to address the issues of power shortage in Rwanda.

"The deal provides for ensuring the provision of human capacity development in the field of design, engineering, and energy projects development in the areas of methane to power, geothermal, procurement, construction, operation, maintenance, supervision, financial reporting, database management, and execution of engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) projects in the energy sector of the Republic of Rwanda,” the statement said.

Eye on generation target

With an installed current energy generation capacity of 160 megawatts and only 24 per cent of households in the country connected to electricity, Rwanda targets to reach 563 megawatts energy generation capacity by 2018 and connect 70 per cent of the country’s households to electricity.

"The MoU between REG and IEC is very important given the targets that we have as a country. Reaching 563 megawatts is not something we can achieve alone,” Mugiraneza said shortly after the signing.

IEC is the main supplier of electricity to Israel and manages power stations that produce up to 13,248 megawatts of electricity.

The corporation builds, maintains, and operates power generation stations, substations, as well as transmission and distribution networks in Israel.

Speaking to journalists after signing ceremony, Weiss said IEC will not spare any efforts in helping Rwanda produce the energy it needs given the good relations between Jerusalem and Kigali.

"We share not only business in the future but also the history (both countries have a history of genocide). By signing this MoU we can do many good things together and sharing knowledge is good for both countries. We think that Rwanda is a good friend of Israel and we want to keep this for many years,” Weiss said.

Both companies agreed to appoint a technical team responsible for promoting the bilateral development of key areas in corporate planning, monitoring and evaluation, as well as energy development.

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