Rwandan President Unveils Biggest Solar Energy Plant on Continent

As Rwanda marks 25 years of cooperation with the Federal State of Rhineland Palatinate of Germany, President Paul Kagame yesterday inaugurated Africa’s biggest solar energy plant. The infrastructure, which is installed at Jali hill in Gasabo District, was funded by the German state through a company called Stadtwerke Mainz and Rhineland Palatinate citizens to the tune of Euro one million (approx. Frw700m).

“In 2004, we (Rwanda) experienced a major power crisis brought about by the falling of water levels in our water bodies and this was at a time when Rwanda had set the pace of development,” Kagame said.
He said that the plant will not only increase the production of power, but also facilitate conservation of the environment at a time when the world is faced with the challenge of a deteriorating eco-system.

He called upon international partners and investors to invest in the eco-friendly power-generating venture which he said was a priority.

During the function, the visiting Minister President for Rhineland Palatinate, Kurt Beck, said that the people in his state are proud of Rwanda having this biggest plant on the continent.

“This comes at a time when the world is facing environmental degradation and this infrastructure we are witnessing sends a positive signal towards preserving it (environment),” Beck said.

AllAfrica