Electricity in Rwanda in 2022

As of 2022, Rwanda's electricity consumption was significantly below the global average, with each Rwandan using less electricity than the worldwide average of 3,638 watts per person. The majority of Rwanda's electricity comes from clean energy sources, with hydropower supplying more than half of the country's electricity needs. However, there is a dependency on fossil fuels too, which are associated with harmful environmental effects such as climate change and air pollution. The limited electricity generation capacity in Rwanda can have various implications, including hindering economic development, restricting access to modern amenities, and affecting the quality of life for its citizens.

Suggestions

Rwanda has the potential to significantly increase its clean electricity generation by investing in nuclear, wind, and solar power. Learning from the success stories of other countries that have excelled in these areas can be particularly advantageous. For instance, Brazil, with its substantial wind power generation, demonstrates how harnessing natural resources effectively can boost clean energy supplies. Similarly, countries like India have made significant strides in solar energy, another arena where Rwanda could potentially thrive. Developing nuclear energy, as seen in France and India, could also complement these efforts, offering a stable and reliable electricity supply.

History

In the history of Rwanda's low-carbon electricity generation, hydropower has seen only modest fluctuations. In the late 1990s, there were minor changes, with a slight decrease in 1996 followed by a small increase in 1997. The following decade showed a trend of stability with hardly any significant changes from 2003 to 2013. In more recent years, specifically from 2014 onwards, there was a modest improvement with occasional increases in hydropower generation, indicating slow but steady progress. This historical reliance on hydropower highlights the importance of diversifying Rwanda's clean energy portfolio to enhance sustainability and energy security.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources