Burundi has officially inaugurated the country's first utility-scale solar field, as part of push to leverage renewable energy for improved access to electricity for homes and businesses.
Why is Burundi launching a solar PV plant?
The pioneering 7.5 MW solar PV plant has increased Burundi's generation capacity by over 10%, and is the country's first substantial energy generation project to go online in over three decades, supplying clean power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses – just before the start of COP26. ( Video)
Where is a solar power station located in Burundi?
The power station is located in the settlement of Mubuga, in the Gitega Province of Burundi, approximately 15.2 kilometres (9 mi), northeast of the city of Gitega, the political capital of that country. This power station is the first grid-connected solar project developed by an IPP in Burundi.
Will Burundi bring solar power to COP26 Gitega?
7.5 MW utility-scale power plant increases East African country's generation capacity by more than 10% on the eve of COP26 Gitega, Burundi – 25 October 2021: A multinational effort to bring solar power to Burundi has been realized with the commercial operation of the country's first-ever solar field.
What does Burundi's solar plant announcement mean for the energy sector?
According to Geoff Sinclair, Managing Director of Camco Clean Energy, which manages REPP: "Once built, the solar plant will add nearly 15% to Burundi's generation capacity using clean energy." (This passage directly answers the question about the impact on the energy sector.)
How many people were hired to operate Burundi's solar power station?
Another estimated 25-50 people were hired to operate the power station. In May 2023, Evariste Ndayishimiye, the president of Burundi toured the solar farm and personally gave his approval for the power station's capacity to be expanded to 15 megawatts.
Who toured Burundi's solar farm in May 2023?
In May 2023, Evariste Ndayishimiye, the president of Burundi toured the solar farm and personally gave his approval for the power station's capacity to be expanded to 15 megawatts. ^ a b c d e Jean Marie Takouleu (26 October 2021).