Government Pushes Rooftop Solar to Boost Renewable Energy Use

State Minister for Infrastructure Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye launched Energy Week on Tuesday, stressing that advances in technology have made solar power more affordable.

“In previous years, solar energy was expensive and difficult to access because the technology was not advanced. That is no longer the case,” Uwihanganye said. “We are encouraging people to use their rooftops as power sources to cook, heat water, and meet other needs.”

The government aims for renewable sources to account for half of Rwanda’s electricity mix within seven years, Uwihanganye said. The country currently generates just over 400 megawatts, far short of demand.

Ivan Twagirashema, chair of the Rwanda Independent Power Producers Association, noted that Rwanda has multiple renewable options to explore. “We are looking at solar, hydropower, wind, and biofuels from plants such as sugarcane,” he said.

This year’s Energy Week, which runs through Sept. 9, is bringing together policymakers and energy providers to share expertise and speed up the rollout of modern technologies that can increase supply.

Experts say renewables will not only cut costs but also reduce emissions, gradually replacing fossil fuels that dominate in developed nations.

According to the Rwanda Energy Group, 82.2% of households had electricity as of February, with 57.4% connected to the national grid and 24.8% relying on off-grid solutions, including solar power.