Study Tour: Rusizi II Hydroelectric Power Plant - SINELAC
1. Introduction.
A study tour was conducted for the RPCL staff to gain insights into the operations and management of the Rusizi II power plant, operated by SINELAC. The purpose of the visit was to enhance our understanding of hydroelectric power generation, environmental considerations, and best practices in power plant operation.
2. SINELAC Hydroelectric Power Plant: Overview
SINELAC: International Electricity Company of the Great Lakes Countries, was created on 17 February 1984 under the will of the member countries of the Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CPGL). The purpose of its creation was to consolidate the economic development of the three member countries: Burundi, Congo, and Rwanda. On 8 February 1982, the management committee of the C.E.P.G.L. had given the mandate to the Energy of the Great Lakes Countries (E.G.L) to supervise the RUZIZI II project until its realization on behalf of three states.
SINELAC is in charge of the operation of the Rusizi II hydroelectric plant as well as the marketing of the energy produced. The company's registered office is located in Bukavu, Republic of Democratic Congo.
The construction of this Ruzizi II power plant was carried out in two phases:
- The first phase, begun in 1984, includes all civil engineering works and electromechanical equipment of groups II and III of 14.6 MW each, which was commissioned in June 1989.
- The second phase, which took place in 2001 with Group I, increased the total capacity to 44 MW with an annual production of 200 GWh.
The Ruzizi II Hydroelectric Power Plant is located in the territory of KABARE in Mumosho about 16 km from the Ruzizi I Power Plant belonging to SNEL
Ruzizi II operates 3 turbo-generator sets, two of which were commissioned in 1989, and the third in 2001. The installed capacity for each group is 15MVA per group. The total capacity is 44MW.
The Mururu II substation receives power generated at Ruzizi II and transmits to the three outgoing lines (Burundi Rwanda and CONGO Sud KIVU)
The Mururu II substation has one incoming line 110KV from Power plant Ruzizi II and four outgoing lines namely Bubanza with protection Micom (Burundi), Kalongi (RWANDA)SIPROTEC 7SD5, Ruzizi I (South KIVU) and Mururu I for supplying to Ruzizi II and as spare SIPROTEC 7SD5. The auxiliary supply is picked at the transformer with three cores 110/70/6.6KV 15MVA.
3. The Mission of SINELAC
- Operation of the Rusizi II Hydroelectric Power Plant
- The Marketing of Electrical Energy to National Electricity Companies (SNE).
4. Appreciation
RPCL Staff expresses its deepest appreciation and heartfelt thanks to SINELAC Team for the 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
5.Conclusion:
The study tour to the SINELAC Hydroelectric Power Plant was an enriching experience for the RPCL staff members. The firsthand exposure to the operational aspects, environmental considerations, and technological advancements in hydroelectric power generation has equipped us with valuable knowledge that can be applied to our own projects.