Editor,
While coal and petroleum were the fuels that spearheaded the Industrial Revolution, new fuels will lead the industrialization of the 21st century.

These fuels will be renewable fuels such as solar, wind, and bio-fuels. Rwanda, through the Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (IRST), has joined this revolution with the launching of the Rwanda Biodiesel Express Bus.

The bus, which is 100 percent powered by environmental friendly diesel, is an invention of the institute’s Biodiesel and Bioethanol laboratory.

Biodiesel is made out of vegetable oil- or animal fat. The bus, according to a statement from IRST was the first of its kind in Africa.

This is a big deal. As a nation that isn’t extremely rich in fossil fuels, it’s important that we think outside the box when it comes to meeting the energy needs of this growing nation.

We cannot depend on charcoal anymore. We need to look at resources like natural gas, bio-gas and the like. Rwanda is moving forward and this kind of innovation proves it.

Paul Mugabe
Kimironko