KIGALI, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda will construct 18 new electricity substations with the aim of reinforcing the country's energy sector to ensure sufficient and reliable energy access, Rwandan Minister of Infrastructure Claver Gatete said Thursday.
"We aim to increase the number of power stations in the country from 27 substations and to 45 by 2024 as part of the government's efforts to ensure sufficient and reliable energy for all," said Gatete at the inauguration of Nzove and Gahanga substations in Bugesera district, Eastern Province.
The newly-inaugurated substations with the capacity of 16 megawatts (MW) and 19 MW respectively are expected to improve the quality of power supply in the capital Kigali and Bugesera district, said Gatete.
"With the construction of more substations, we are targeting to improve energy efficiency and reduce power loss in the distribution system," he said.
Rwanda has set a target of achieving universal energy access by 2024, which is expected to be realized through the use of both on-grid and off-grid electrification approaches, according to the ministry of infrastructure.
Hydro power accounts for 42 percent of the total energy sources of Rwanda, thermal accounts for 31 percent, solar accounts for 5 percent and methane constitutes 14 percent, the Ministry of Infrastructure said in September 2018.
