HRC's SHP Consultation Mission in Rwanda

   ---Invited by Kigali Institute of Science, Technology and Management, four specialists from Hangzhou Regional Center for small Hydro Power (HRC), China, have conducted study tour in Rwanda to provide consultation service to Kavumu and Rutongo sites as well as several other hydropower sites for potential construction from 11 to 22 May 2005. The team leader of the group is Prof Liu Heng who is Vice Chairman of UNESCO-IHP Intergovernmental Council Bureau and Vice President of Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute. The other members include Mr.Pan Daqing, Deputy Secretary General of HRC secretariat, Mr. Wu Weiguo, Deputy Chief of HRC Design Institute and Mr.Rao Dayi, a senior engineer of HRC. During the stay in Rwanda, a total of seven hydropower site visits have been conducted in seven provinces of Rwanda.

   Rwanda has indigenous energy resources of hydropower. The terrain of Rwanda is mostly grassy uplands and hills declining from west to east. The precipitation is high, with numerous rivers crossing around and flowing with abundant water resources which are appropriate for small or micro hydropower development. The annual rainfall ranges from 1200 to 1800 mm.

   As the fund is limited, the harnessing of hydropower is only limited to the development of micro hydropower so as to resolve the energy issue of the local farmers. In the short period of time, it is realistic. In the long run, however, sites with larger hydropower potential and even with reservoirs may be selected for exploitation, as the micro has less economic benefit. Meanwhile, it is necessary to form a national grid of a comparatively larger scale for power transmission.

   Surveying work should be done at the areas with large catchment and large flow. Master-planning should be carried out for those large catchment areas.

   The consultation group is grateful for all the arrangement and kindness demonstrated by Kigali Institute of Science, Technology and Management as well as the Ministry of Energy during the stay in Rwanda. The consultation group would also like to express the gratitude for the long-term and powerful support and guidance by the officials of the Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda.

   As one of the follow-ups, HRC's second group of expertice will be sent to Rwanda in June to help accomplish the topographical survey for the design of several hydropower sites in Rwanda.(2005-05-09)