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).

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.

What can a Burundi Energy Center do?

For example, such a center in Burundi could focus on funding and implementing solar-plus-storage technologies for rural and remote households. The 2015 Electricity Act enables foreign investments into the power sector. In addition, laws in Burundi allow tax benefits for energy investment and public-private partnership.

Why does Burundi need a gas power plant?

This is driven by a lack of supply, grid inefficiencies (24% of supply lost due to transmission and distribution network technical issues (Nsabimana 2020)), lack of investment in new infrastructure, and dependence on a leased gas power plant (“Burundi ClimateScope 2021” 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.

How can Burundi benefit from the 2015 Electricity Act?

The 2015 Electricity Act enables foreign investments into the power sector. In addition, laws in Burundi allow tax benefits for energy investment and public-private partnership. However, without coordinated and focused efforts to direct those investments to impactful projects and initiatives, these strengths can become a missed opportunity.