Central African Transmission Projects Integrate Power Markets

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Written by Richard Finlayson, Senior International Editor for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--As the power demand in Central Africa grows, the region is witnessing a surge of planned projects to interconnect power transmission networks, driven by mining expansion, industrial development and electrification of domestic households. In Rwanda, the government has signed a $50 million grant agreement with the German Development Corporation and the government of the Netherlands to build a regionally connected power line.

The power line will connect Rwanda to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), from Kibuye to Gisenyi and Kigali, then on to Goma through Gisenyi.

Rwanda's finance minister, John Rwangombwa, said at the signing of the agreement that the transmission line would help to secure a reliable, low-cost power supply to Kigali and Goma, as well as contribute to the integration of the power markets.

The new power transmission line, which is scheduled for completion and operation by 2014, also will assist in meeting the growing demand for electricity in Rwanda and neighboring states.

Another regional power project that is scheduled to begin construction in 2012 is the $340 million Rusumo Falls project, which will supply power to Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. The Kagera region of Tanzania, where the falls are situated, shares borders with Rwanda and Burundi.

The overall objective of the regional project is to increase power supply to the three countries through the 90-MW scheme in the Kagera River Basin and to construct associated transmission lines to Gitega, in Burundi; Kigali, in Rwanda; and Nyakanazi, in Tanzania. The project also will enhance water supplies in the area.

Compensation will be provided by the governments for 125 households that are to be displaced by the project. But the project will provide jobs for 4,500 people in the area during the construction period and a minimum of 60 permanent jobs. The project also will develop a range of economic opportunities to farmers and businesses in the area.

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