Rwanda 10MW Solar PV Development

CONTEX

The overall objective of this project was to develop a 10MW solar PV plant in Rwanda.

OBJECTIVES

Rwanda has a total installed generation capacity of 110 MW an only 19.4% of the population have access to it. Also, 43% of the generation capacity is mostly fueled by diesel, giving Rwanda one of the highest costs of electricity in the region. Having established different targets for the sector, the Government of Rwanda (GoR) aims to reach 563 MW of generation capacity by 2017, with solar contributing with 18.5 MW. Hence, in 2013, the GoR launched a tender for the development of a 10 MW solar PV project. At the end of 2013, the Goldsol II Consortium was selected as the Preferred Bidder for the Project, having signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the GoR on 15 May 2014.The Consortium will develop, finance, construct, own, maintain and operate a 10 MW solar PV power plant to generate and supply electricity to REG – Rwanda Energy Group throughout 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.

DESCRIPTION

Preliminary studies of technical and financial viability for this project were made, additionally the preliminary results of the feasibility study indicates that the Project size will be incremented to 18 MWp – meeting GoR solar generation capacity target for 2017 – with an estimated total investment of USD 37.6 million. Gesto Energia will provide technical knowledge and expertise in solar resource, PV power plant construction and O&M. This company’s proven experience is demonstrated via its track record in different types of technologies and in particular in Solar PV plants.

SUMMARY OF SERVICES

Development of a photovoltaic solar plant

Technical and financial feasibility study including:

• Topographical survey
• Environmental impact study (EIS) according to WB guidelines
• Grid integration study (steady-state and dynamic system)
• Financial model and project financing
• Solar resource and generation forecast (P50 and P90)
• Detailed project for the Rwinkwavu Solar Power Plant
• Negotiation of the MoA (Memorandum of Agreement) , PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), CIA (concession and Implementation Agreement) and EPC contract.