The Ministry of Infrastructure has commissioned a study that will provide a roadmap for generation of wind energy in the country. The study is part of several other off-grid initiatives that are being looked into as government diversifies sources of energy generation for the country. Yussuf Uwamahoro, the coordinator of the energy sector in the Ministry of Infrastructure (Mininfra) said the study is being undertaken by a Belgian firm, 3R, whose work kicked off last month. “Rwanda might have good potential in wind energy but there is no accurate information and this is why we hired a company to conduct studies in different places,” Uwamahoro said. The official noted that the little data from country’s airports and meteological stations is inadequate. The study will look at the behavior of wind throughout the year and see if the wind strength is sufficient enough for exploitation. “We need a minimum of one year to study wind behaviour in Rwanda looking at such elements like wind speed.” The contract with 3R was signed in January and will last 18 months, including supply and installation of wind masts. According to Uwamahoro the off-grid systems such as solar and wind energy are being considered as suitable alternative energy sources for the rural areas where the national grid system cannot serve. Recently, the ministry said it will begin conducting energy audits in all government institutions, schools, industries and private companies to know how much energy they consume annually and how they can save about 20 percent off their current energy consumption. Ends
