Team of the University of Rwanda Visits Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric
Plant: A Step Towards Sustainable Energy Development
Wednesday 06th November 2024
A team of professors and students from the University of Rwanda, Department of Energy Engineering recently visited the Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Plant, one of the region’s key energy projects, located at the border between Rwanda and Tanzania. The visit aimed to gain firsthand insight into the plant's operations, its contribution to Rwanda’s energy sector, and its role in the wider East African region’s sustainable energy goals.
Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Plant: A Vital Power Source
The Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Plant, with a capacity of 80 megawatts, plays a crucial role in Rwanda’s efforts to increase its electricity generation capacity, reduce dependency on imported energy, and promote environmentally friendly power sources. The project, a joint effort between the Governments of Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania, is expected to contribute significantly to the East African Community's regional power grid, enhancing electricity access across the region.
Learning from the Plant's Operations
The delegation from the Department of Energy Engineering of the University of Rwanda was given an extensive tour of the facility. They were shown the plant’s infrastructure, including the dam, powerhouse, and switchyard. The university’s students had the opportunity to observe the state-of-the-art technologies employed in the plant and learn about the technical and environmental challenges involved in managing the plant.
Conclusion
This visit to the Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Plant aligns with the University of Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to promote research and innovation in sustainable energy. The team hopes the knowledge from the visit will inspire students and faculty to research renewable energy solutions tailored to Rwanda’s specific needs. The team left the plant inspired by the possibilities of hydroelectric power and more determined than ever to contribute to the growth of Rwanda’s clean energy sector.
