Proving the viability of Bugarama geothermal resources through geoscientific surveys and market surveys for Rwanda

CTCN

This Technology Transfer Advances Rwanda's

Context

In Rwanda, energy sector plays a vital role in supporting socio-economic evolution and has a close connection to the growth of other economic sectors. The country has both renewable and non-renewable energy sources. The pollution from burning biomass and petroleum products is a major concern to climate change in Rwanda.

Geothermal power is clean, renewable, reliable and large-scale energy resource. There is an estimated potential of up to 100 MW of geothermal power in Rwanda. Geothermal energy could produce electricity at four times less the cost of diesel generated electricity currently in use in Rwanda. It could also replace oil-fuel power plants.

The exploitation of geothermal energy, together with other renewable energy sources, will provide energy security, reduce energy costs and vulnerability to external economic shocks and ultimately promote economic development. In addition, geothermal resources in Rwanda can be used as alternative energy sources for agricultural purposes.

CTCN Support

To prove the viability of the Bugarama geothermal resources:

  • Detailed geological and hydrogeological studies
  • Geochemical studies
  • Shallow temperature mapping
  • Geophysics
  • Thermal Gradient Wells
  • Market survey for direct uses

Expected Impact

This technical assistance will set out a pathway for the development of geothermal resources in Bugarama with the primary objective of mitigating domestic greenhouse gas emissions, and that will also have other economic, environmental, social and cultural co-benefits with an emphasis on gender equality:

  • Increased energy sovereignty as a result on reduced dependence on oil
  • Reduced costs in a context on increasing fossil fuel prices

Facts

Date of submission
Geographical scope
Sub-national
Countries
Rwanda
Objective
Adaptation
Mitigation
Phase
Design
Sectors
Renewable energy

Project details

Cross-sectoral enabler
Communication and awareness
Economics and financial decision-making
Approach
Community based
Final type of assistance
Technology identification and prioritisation
Request NDE
Rwanda Environment Management Authority
This technical assistance advances the following Sustainable Development Goals
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