Rural Electrification in Burundi

Burundi

The project aimed at enhancing access to affordable and sustainable energy services in four rural areas in Burundi (Ryarusera, Kigwena, Butezi, Nyabikere) through the rehabilitation of two micro and two mini hydropower plants, photovoltaic reinforcement, extension of the rural grid and connection to the national grid of four hydro plants. The implementation of the project activities were in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) and the Burundian Agency for Rural Electrification (ABER). The Project benefited 1 hospital, 6 health centres, 7 factories, 31 schools, 290 commercial activities, 400 farms and up to 8,732 households, accounting for 45,615 people living in the four targeted areas. The project has progressed well and all activities have been completed and the results achieved. In particular: Output 1: Kigwena hydro power plant The power of the plant is 62.2 kW, as planned. The project technicians installed on site a reconditioned Ossberger turbine 62.2 kW with speed controller, ballast resistors, two electrical cabinets, a 100 KVA elevator transformer and a switch at the MT REGIDESO/ABER cabin. The power station guarantees operation for at least 94 hours a week, but can also work 24 hours a day, equal to 168 hours a week. LT (Low Voltage), MV (Medium Voltage) power lines have been completed and delivered to ABER. Output 2: Ryarusera hydro power plant The power of the plant is 30 kW, higher than expected (24 kW). The project replaced the old Ossberger turbine with a new 30KW cross-flow JLA turbine, with cruise control, ballast resistance and two electrical cabinets. The plant guarantees operation for at least 94 hours a week but can also work 24 hours a day equal to 168 hours a week. The LV transmission and distribution line of 1 Km between the mini hydropower plant and the Parish of Ryarusera has been rehabilitated. Output 3: Butezi hydro power plant (200 Kw) There was the refurbishment of the director, the lever arm, the counterweight cylinders, the flywheel, the replacement of the old hydraulic system with a new hydraulic unit and a new 200 KW Leroy Somer generator with control cabinet for the new hydraulic unit and for the new generator. The power plant guarantees operation for at least 82 hours a week, but can work also 24 hours a day equal to 168 hours a week. The rehabilitation of 11 km of MV line and 2,5 km LV line and the 1,5 km LV line extension have been completed and 20 new connections to national grid have been established. Output 4: Nyabikere Plant and Photovoltaic system (130 kW) The two directors of the turbine with reloading and turning have been refurbished. There was the replacement of the old hydraulic system with a new hydraulic unit and a new Leroy Somer 130 KW generator with a new cabinet that controls the new hydraulic unit and the new generator. The Nyabikere turbine, due to lack of water, especially during the dry season caused by the intensive rice cultivation in the river bed, experienced a 40% reduction in production which was offset by the installation of a 40 kWp photovoltaic system to reduce the volume of water to be used during the day with an improvement of energy production during the evening. The plant guarantees operation for at least 76 hours a week, but can work also 24 hours a day equal to 168 hours a week. 30 new connections to national grid have been established. Output 5: ABER trainings and Communication campaigns The management, maintenance and security training for ABER’s personnel have been completed.