Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Burundi Times
Published on 2024-04-12 09:51:58
The Minister of Infrastructure in Burundi, Dieudonné Dukundane, presented a bill to the Senate concerning additional financing for the Jiji and Mulembwe hydroelectric project on April 10th in Bujumbura. The bill seeks ratification for an additional $102 million in financing, with $50 million from the World Bank, $25 million from the European Investment Bank, $25 million from the European Union, and $2 million from Regideso, a public sector company responsible for water and electricity distribution.
This extra financing is part of a larger project with a total cost of $372 million and aims to enhance the interconnection between countries by upgrading power lines to handle 2020 Kv instead of the previous 110KV. The design of operating stations has also been improved, shifting from 110/30 KV transformers to 220/110/30 KV transformers to meet the growing energy demands of the population and align with regional standards.
The bill was unanimously passed by the Senate, signaling support for the project. The Jiji and Mulembwe Hydropower Plants Development Project, endorsed by the African Development Bank, aims to significantly increase Burundi’s electricity generation capacity. With an estimated combined installed capacity of 48 MW, the project will more than double the country’s current installed power generation capacity of 39 MW.
Located in Bururi Province in the southeast of Burundi, the two hydropower plants will play a crucial role in bolstering the country’s energy sector and economy. The project includes the development of the plants along with the necessary infrastructure for power transmission and distribution. It is expected to positively impact the sustainability of the energy sector, promote green growth, and facilitate electricity supply to local communities in the project area.
Structured into three components, the project focuses on the hydropower plants and related infrastructure, technical assistance, and institutional development support for the electricity sector. Approved in June 2014, the project is slated for completion by December 2025, contributing to the country’s energy security and economic development.
Overall, the Jiji and Mulembwe Hydropower Plants Development Project holds promise for Burundi’s energy landscape, with the potential to address energy shortfalls, promote sustainable growth, and benefit local communities. Through collaboration with international partners and domestic entities like Regideso, Burundi is on track to enhance its electricity generation capacity and boost economic development.
Read the original article on Burundi Times
