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)

Does Burundi have solar power?

However, solar makes up a small fraction of energy supplied in Burundi due to its relatively low installed capacity of 5 MW (“Burundi Energy Profile” 2021).Solar made up 5% of all installed capacity in 2020, generating a total of 8 GWh of electricity for the year, which accounted for 2% of annual electricity generation in Burundi.

Will Burundi's first grid-connected solar farm light up the country's energy system?

UK Minister for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change, Greg Hands, said: “Today’s launch of Burundi’s first grid-connected solar farm will light up the nation’s energy system. It will strengthen the national grid supply and propel forward a promising future for the country in clean, green energy.

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 is the primary energy supply in Burundi?

The remainder of the primary energy supply is from oil (“Burundi Energy Profile” 2021). However, a majority (98%) of the renewable energy supply in Burundi is bioenergy. The remainder of the renewable energy supply is hydroelectric, and solar power (“Burundi Energy Profile” 2021).

Who produces electricity in Burundi?

The main electricity producer is REGIDESO. The state-owned, vertically integrated company produces and operates over 97% of the electricity in Burundi and is responsible for production, transmission, distribution, and marketing of electricity (Mtoka 2019). It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy and Mines.