Powering the Future: Rwanda’s Energy Mix as the Ideal Backbone for Sustainable Transport

Rwanda’s total on-grid installed solar energy is 12.050 MW originating from 3 solar power plants namely Jali power plant generating 0.25MW, Rwamagana Gigawatt generating 8.5 MW, & the Nasho Solar plant generating 3.3 MW.

Rwanda is rapidly emerging as a leader in Africa's green transition, charting a path towards a more sustainable and resilient future. While the global spotlight has often been on the country’s environmental and socio-economic recovery, less attention has been given to Rwanda’s significant strides in renewable energy—a development that is poised to transform the country’s transport sector. With an energy mix that already includes significant contributions from hydroelectric and solar sources, Rwanda is laying the groundwork for a robust green economy centered on electric mobility (e-mobility). This progress is not only pivotal for the nation’s energy independence but also for the development of a sustainable transport network that could revolutionize both urban and rural mobility.

Rwanda's Current Energy Mix: A Foundation for E-Mobility

As of today, Rwanda's total installed electricity generation capacity stands at 332.6 MW, with a balanced contribution from various energy sources. The country derives 51% of its electricity from thermal sources, which, while essential to maintaining current grid stability, highlights the critical need to pivot toward more sustainable solutions. Meanwhile, hydroelectric power contributes 43.9%, and solar energy makes up 4.2% of the nation’s energy mix. Although these figures may seem modest, the emphasis on hydropower and solar energy provides a unique opportunity for Rwanda to power a green transport revolution.

Hydroelectric power, in particular, offers an ideal backbone for the electrification of transport. Unlike thermal energy, which relies on imported fossil fuels, hydropower harnesses Rwanda's natural resources, enabling a more stable and cost-effective energy supply. The abundance of rivers and rainfall in the country ensures a continuous source of renewable energy, particularly during the rainy season. Meanwhile, the growing integration of solar power, especially in rural areas, positions Rwanda as a pioneer in decentralized and off-grid energy solutions.

With the country aiming to reach 60% renewable energy in its electricity generation by 2030, this energy mix is increasingly suitable for powering electric vehicles (EVs). EVs have the potential to drastically reduce Rwanda’s reliance on imported oil, which constitutes about 20% of the country’s imports, and which is subject to unpredictable global price fluctuations. By turning to electric transport powered by domestic, renewable energy sources, Rwanda can simultaneously reduce its fuel import bill, mitigate its carbon emissions, and strengthen its energy security.

Preparing for the Future: Expanding Renewable Capacity

As Rwanda looks to the future, there are clear opportunities to accelerate the expansion of its renewable energy capacity, ensuring it can meet the growing demand for green transport. By prioritizing investments in both hydro and solar power, Rwanda can further reduce its dependency on thermal energy, which remains costly and unsustainable over the long term.

Expanding solar power capacity, in particular, could be a game-changer for Rwanda’s energy and transport sectors. Solar energy is not only abundant in Rwanda, but it is also modular and flexible. Large-scale solar farms can feed into the national grid, while smaller, decentralized solar systems can power rural and off-grid communities. With EVs becoming increasingly viable in urban centers, decentralized solar installations could power electric motorcycles and public transportation fleets, thereby reducing the strain on the central grid and providing localized solutions to the country’s transportation needs.

Moreover, solar energy can work in conjunction with hydropower to ensure a more balanced and resilient energy grid. During the dry season, when river flows are reduced, solar power can help to offset the lower output from hydroelectric plants, ensuring that the electricity supply remains consistent throughout the year.

Building a Green Transport Network: Key Strategies and Policies

Rwanda’s energy mix provides a solid foundation for a green and sustainable transport network, but translating this potential into reality will require coordinated policies and strategic investments. The government has already made promising strides, offering incentives for electric vehicle imports and subsidizing the development of EV charging infrastructure. However, to ensure that e-mobility becomes a widespread reality, more needs to be done.

Scaling Charging Infrastructure

The adoption of electric vehicles depends heavily on the availability of charging stations, particularly in urban centers like Kigali. One strategy to scale charging infrastructure would be through public-private partnerships. By incentivizing private companies to invest in EV charging stations, the government can expand access without overstretching public resources. Solar-powered charging stations would be an ideal solution, leveraging the country's growing solar capacity and reducing the carbon footprint of e-mobility infrastructure itself.

Prioritizing Public Transport Electrification

While private electric vehicles are important, Rwanda’s greatest opportunity lies in the electrification of public transport—particularly buses, taxis, and motorcycles. Electrifying the public transportation fleet could drastically reduce urban air pollution and help the country achieve its climate goals. Given that motorcycles are a dominant mode of transport in Kigali and other cities, transitioning them to electric versions would have a significant impact on reducing fuel demand and emissions.

The government could explore subsidizing electric buses for public transport operators, as well as implementing favorable leasing arrangements for electric motorcycles. Providing tax incentives for businesses that use electric delivery vehicles could also accelerate the adoption of e-mobility across various sectors of the economy.

Battery Production and Recycling

One of the primary challenges facing the global EV market is the cost and sustainability of batteries. Rwanda can position itself as a leader in battery recycling and, potentially, even production. The government could incentivize international companies to set up battery recycling facilities in Rwanda, thereby creating jobs and reducing the environmental impact of battery waste. Over time, Rwanda could explore the possibility of developing domestic battery production, capitalizing on its growing expertise in green technologies.

Cross-Border Green Transport Collaboration

Given Rwanda’s position within the East African Community (EAC), there are significant opportunities to collaborate with neighboring countries on cross-border green transport initiatives. A regional approach could include harmonized regulations for EVs, shared charging networks, and joint investments in renewable energy projects that serve the entire region. By coordinating with its neighbors, Rwanda can create a larger market for EVs, reduce costs through economies of scale, and position itself as a regional leader in sustainable transport.

The Economic and Environmental Benefits of E-Mobility

The transition to green transport holds significant economic and environmental benefits for Rwanda. Economically, the reduction in fuel imports would free up hundreds of millions of dollars each year—funds that could be redirected to other critical sectors, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. Lower transportation costs would benefit businesses and consumers alike, leading to a decrease in the cost of goods and services across the economy.

Environmentally, electrifying the transport sector would drastically reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in Rwanda’s rapidly growing urban centers. Given the country’s relatively small carbon footprint, Rwanda could serve as a model for other developing nations, showing how sustainable energy and transport solutions can be both economically viable and environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

Rwanda’s existing energy mix, with its substantial reliance on renewable sources like hydropower and solar energy, is ideally suited to support the country’s transition to electric mobility. By continuing to invest in renewable energy and developing strategic policies to encourage e-mobility, Rwanda has the potential to create a green, sustainable transport network that will serve as a model for other nations in the region.

As the global fight against climate change intensifies, Rwanda is well-positioned to be at the forefront of Africa’s green revolution. By leveraging its natural resources and continuing to prioritize renewable energy, Rwanda can power its future in a way that benefits both its economy and its environment. The transition to electric mobility is not just an environmental necessity—it is an economic opportunity that Rwanda must seize to ensure a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future.

Key Images:

Nyabarongo II (43.5MW)

Currently, there are 10 thermal power plants in Rwanda including those using diesel and those using other fuels such as Methane and Peat.

KivuWatt Project Phase I

Gishoma 15 MW Peat to Power Project