Rwanda: Private sector key to energy expansion plans

The Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) is seeking bids from companies to upgrade and maintain six new micro hydro plants as independent power producers. The successful bidder will upgrade, finance, operate and maintain the plants under a 25-year concession contract. The developer will connect the plants to the grid, under a power purchase agreement with EWSA, and will earn power sales revenues. In return, the developer will pay EWSA an annual concession fee per site. The six power stations are the 2.5MW Mukungwa II plant at Musanze, operational since May 2013, the 400kW Nshili 1 plant at Nyaruguru, operational since January 2012, the 200kW Nyabahanga plant at Karongi, operational since August 2012, the 200kW Gashashi plant at Rutsiro, operational since March 2013, the 200kW Janja plant at Gakenke, operational since October 2012, and the 500kW Nyirabuhombohombo plant at Nyamasheke, operational since January 2013. Bids are due by 3 January.