The Egyptian energy giant, Orascom Construction Industries, could not have come at a better time given the country’s ongoing drive to significantly increase energy capacity. According to the agreement, the company will generate at least 50 megawatts from the rare Lake Kivu Methane Gas, to help engineer the country’s growth.

The agreement signed this week between the Government and the Egyptian energy giant, Orascom Construction Industries, could not have come at a better time given the country’s ongoing drive to significantly increase energy capacity.

Such public private partnerships are critical for the achievement of  national development programmes, and a boost to the targeted 1,000 megawatts mark on the national grid by 2017. The Government has stated that out of the planned 1000 megawatts, at least 300 will be generated from methane gas. The plan, if realised, will ensure that half of the Rwandan population will have electricity.

With the government actively promoting renewable energy, investors have nothing to worry with regard to power supply.

In addition to helping drive economic growth, methane is less costly than fossil fuels and more environment friendly.

It is imperative, therefore, that similar investments are encouraged to help increase energy production, to fast-track the industrialisation pace.

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