Renewable energy and sustainable economic growth of Rwanda: energy policy implications

Abstract

Over the last ten years, about 70% of the people in Rwanda live without access to electricity. Currently, biomass dominates energy source with 85% of Rwanda's total energy supply. Consequently, around 90% of the rural populations majorly rely on biomass for cooking and lighting among other uses. The use of renewable energy is low with geothermal and wind energy sources presently unexploited. This paper assesses the renewable energy status and its contribution towards the economic growth of Rwanda. It stresses energy policy insights and implications for sustainability. It was noted that total renewable energy increased by 144% within the first period of the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS I). This was due to several measures and strategies undertaken. Measures included promoting the use of small and mini-grids in power generation. The authors recommend the government to allocate necessary resources to sustain the renewable energy strategies.