Kolmena Group Ltd hands over 30kW solar power system to Rwanda Green Fund and Good Neighbors Cooperative

In a significant step toward advancing sustainability and rural development, Kolmena Group Ltd has officially handed over a 30-kilowatt solar power system to the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) and the Good Neighbors Cooperative in Rubaya Sector, Gicumbi District. The ceremony, held on August 12, also marked the conclusion of the one-year warranty period for the installation. With this handover, full ownership and operational responsibility for the system now rests with the cooperative. The Good Neighbors Cooperative was one of 25 local groups selected under the Green Gicumbi Climate Action Fund (CAF) pilot programme, which aims to strengthen climate resilience and promote clean energy adoption in rural areas. The solar installation powers two 18-kilowatt milling machines and a lighting system within the cooperative’s working area. Additionally, a separate 10-kilowatt unit supplements energy demand on site. ALSO READ:How Green Gicumbi Project is strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable communities Kolmena Group CEO Sosthene Mubera highlighted the economic benefits of the project, stating: “This solar-powered system is a valuable source of income for the Good Neighbors Cooperative. Over the past 12 months, together we have milled more than 100 tons of corn and sorghum. With full-time, cost-free electricity from solar, the cooperative is now positioned to become a business hub and generate even greater profits.” As per the contract, end users received training and an operation manual in Kinyarwanda. The system has been tested, observed, and approved by FONERWA, the Good Neighbors Cooperative, and Gicumbi District officials, all of whom confirmed their understanding of the system’s functionality. “Today marks the official end of our one-year warranty period following the provisional handover,” Mubera added. “From this point forward, the cooperative takes full control, and Kolmena will only step in for technical support if requested.” Founded in 2020, Kolmena Group Ltd is a Rwandan technology company specializing in renewable energy solutions, including solar power generation, thermal systems, solar pumping, solar irrigation, and agrivoltaics. Over the past five years, the company has expanded both locally and regionally, implementing numerous renewable energy projects. In Rwanda, Kolmena participates in two key national programs: Solar Rwanda, distributing and installing solar water heaters nationwide, and the EAQIP Project, providing off-grid households in rural areas with solar home systems, contributing to electrification and sustainable development. ALSO READ: Gicumbi seed multipliers to benefit from Rwf1.3b fund Fidèle Nzirwanabake, Fund Management Analyst at FONERWA, expressed appreciation to all partners involved in the successful installation of the solar energy system at the Good Neighbor Cooperative. He specifically recognized the vital roles played by district authorities, the Cooperative’s leadership, and the contractor, Kolmena Group Ltd. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the different stakeholders who have contributed to the success of this project. Your commitment to sustainable development and clean energy has not only empowered the Cooperative but also set a shining example of community-driven progress, he said. He went on to commend the Cooperative Management team, whose leadership and transparent collaboration were instrumental in the project's smooth execution, and their dedication to sustainable development, noting that their efforts helped foster trust and cooperation among all parties involved. Nzirwanabake also acknowledged KolmenaGroup Ltd, the contractor, for their professionalism and high standards throughout the project lifecycle and their ability to deliver a quality installation while managing timelines and ensuring safety. Florida Muragijimana, a member of the Good Neighbors Cooperative, said the solar system has made a real difference. “Before Kolmena came, we were using regular electricity, but now with solar, things are more stable. We’re going to take care of what they gave us. I want to thank everyone involved. Our cooperative has over 60 members, and this system has made our work much easier,” she said.

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Kolmena Group Ltd hands over 30kW solar power system to Rwanda Green Fund and Good Neighbors Cooperative