Background
Situated in the Rubona, Rwamagana District, the solar plant provides energy to the national grid. The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) is the only utility-scale solar plant in the country and was the first large-scale solar plant to be constructed in Eastern Africa. Leasing the land from the local school benefits the community extensively by providing stable, consistent power to the grid.
Scatec the own company of the plant holds a 25-year PPA with the state-owned utility Rwanda Energy Group. The equity partner is Norfund, and the lenders are FMO and the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund.
To enhance their understanding of renewable energy technologies and further strengthen their capacity in sustainable power generation, the staff of RPCL (Rusumo Power Company Limited) recently did a study tour at the Solar Plant at Rwamagana in Rwanda.
The 8.5MW solar Plant has 28360 PV solar panels with a capacity of 300 Wattpeak/0.9VDC each and the total DC voltage is converted to 400VAC and stepped up to 15kV hence is transmitted to the national grid.
This immersive visit provided RPCL employees with valuable insights into the practical aspects of solar energy generation, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the organization. The study tour aimed to expose RPCL staff members to real-world applications of solar energy and offer them firsthand experience of a solar panel project.
These exchanges provided a unique platform for RPCL staff to ask questions, exchange ideas, and deepen their understanding of solar energy technology.
Conclusion:
The RPCL study tour of the Solar Plant Project provided a transformative learning experience for its staff, equipping them with practical knowledge and firsthand exposure to the intricacies of solar energy generation. The visit deepened their understanding of solar power technology, operational best practices, and the potential for scaling up renewable energy projects.
Appreciation:
RPCL Staff expresses its deepest appreciation and heartfelt thanks to Twaha TWAGIRIMANA Plant Supervisor for his incredible support and guidance provided during the study tour. Its dedication and passion for sharing knowledge made this tour an unforgettable learning experience for RPCL Staff. His expertise and insights truly enriched the team's understanding of the subject matter and brought the destinations to life in a unique way. Its ability to manage the group with patience and a positive attitude did not go unnoticed
