BIGGEST SOLAR PLANT UNDER AFRICAN SUN

Investing in the future, always smart.

Rwandan President Unveils Biggest Solar Energy Plant on Continent
Felly Kimenyi Gasabo, 7 June 2007 (Kigali New Times via All Africa)

WHO
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Rhineland Palatinate Minister President Kurt Beck, State Minister for Communication and Energy Eng. Albert Butare,
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WHAT
The Rwandan leadership opened the largest solar energy facility in Africa. The result of German investment, the solar plant promises much for Rwanda and the invstors.

WHEN
Construction begun in January and production begun this week.

WHERE
Ministry of Defense land on Jali hill in Gasabo District of Rwanda

WHY
- 1 million euro funding by Stadtwerke Mainz of Federal State of Rhineland Palatinate, Germany
- 250 megawatt plant expected to supplement Rwandan hydro power and protect against environmental degradation associated with hydro power (which uses diesel/gas fuel)
Rwanda's flag
QUOTES
- Kagame: "In 2004, we (Rwanda) experienced a major power crisis brought about by the falling of water levels in our water bodies and this was at a time when Rwanda had set the pace of development…"
Beck: "This comes at a time when the world is facing environmental degradation and this infrastructure we are witnessing sends a positive signal towards preserving it (environment)…"
- Butare: "Today, what we dreamt in 2003 has been realised and as of now we are witnessing it becoming a reality. This is a result of the existing cooperation between Rwanda and the Palatinate…The money the Rwandan government contributed to the project was to help pave the road for the plant and the actual works were funded by them…"