UNIDO Hydro Plants in Rwanda

Mini hydropower plants in Rwanda help reduce poverty and boost productive activities in rural communities. In Rwanda, where more than 60 per cent of the population live below the poverty line, efforts to reduce poverty and achieve greater economic growth are thwarted by the absence of electricity. Although the country has a potential of producing energy using hydro, geothermal, solar and methane gas resources, many barriers need to be overcome, such as poor technical capabilities, low income and lack of financial institutions in rural areas. UNIDO works close with the Rwandan Government on mini hydropower construction, to guarantee clean, green and affordable access to energy.
The Organization estimates that only six per cent of the population have access to energy, but, with its geography, Rwanda is ideally suited for mini hydro plants and its water power can be used without environmental damage to provide affordable electricity in remote locations.