Rwanda has launched east Africa’s first utility-scale solar energy project, effectively boosting the country’s total electric grid capacity. East Africa’s first utility-scale solar energy project is now online at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda.
The completion of Gigawatt Global’s 8.5 gigawatt (GW) solar project has boosted the country’s total grid capacity by 6 percent and represents the first completed project under the Africa Clean Energy Finance Initiative.
The $23.7 million solar energy project was officially brought online at a ceremony on February 5th attended by Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. James Musoni, and the Chief of Staff of the US Government’s Overseas Private Investment Corporation, John Morton, amongst others.
“Top quality developers like Gigawatt Global are the keys to success for President Obama’s Power Africa Initiative,” stated Elizabeth Littlefield, President and CEO of OPIC. “After OPIC provided critical early-stage support through the ACEF program, Gigawatt smoothly and swiftly brought the project online to give Rwanda enough grid-connected power to supply 15,000 homes. Gigawatt Global in Rwanda is a clear demonstration that solar will be a key part of Africa’s energy solution.”
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