BUJUMBURA, October (ABP) – The ministry in charge of energy in collaboration with various organizations and associations engaged in the field of renewable energies including the Global Off-Grid Solar Energy Industry Association (GOGLA), the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), the European Union (EU), the World Bank and the Burundi Renewable Energy Association (BUREAU), with the support of EU-funded GET.invest Burundi, has organized from October 3 to 5, 2023, a second edition of the Burundi Renewable Energy Access Days (BREAD)
The aim of that meeting is to accelerate universal access to electricity in Burundi.
In his occasional speech, the Minister of Hydraulics, Energy and Mines, Ibrahim Uwizeye, indicated that the energy sector occupies a preponderant place in socio-economic development. And to achieve this, he indicated that the government of Burundi is in the process of putting in place a solid and attractive regulatory framework, increasing the number of construction projects for national and regional hydroelectric power stations, and building electricity energy distribution lines throughout the country.
He added that the completion of the work and the commissioning of the 20MW KABU 16 power plant are expected in 2024. He also revealed that the interconnection with the Renaissance power plant in Ethiopia is already a reality because, according to him, the flow line for this energy which will connect Burundi and Rwanda, via the Ngozi and Izege substations, is already under construction. He also specified that Burundi intends to connect to the Tanzanian network to benefit from the 2000MW hydroelectric center currently under construction.
For her part, Ambassador Elizabeth PIETROBON and Head of EU Delegation to Burundi indicated that access to energy is a pre-condition for all-inclusive and sustainable development. She noted that the role of the private sector is of paramount importance, adding that all efforts must be made to create a favorable environment for private investments in the energy sector. The EU is strongly committed to supporting the authorities in this direction, she reassured.
On the same occasion, she did not fail to point out that the reform of the legislative framework is an important step and the EU commends it. She did not fail to recall that BREAD is the main gathering of stakeholders in the energy sector, dedicated to assessing emerging considerations for Burundi’s strategy on universal access to electricity, while addressing the challenges of climate change.
As for Mrs. Hawa Cissé Wagué, resident representative of the World Bank to Burundi, this institution will spare no effort to support the government’s priorities, including strengthening the energy sector. By way of illustration, she mentioned the support of the World Bank in the work of Rusumo Falls.
This second edition of BREAD presents a comprehensive program focused on main objectives including the establishment of a networking platform for companies, investors, policy makers, partners and stakeholders in the renewable energy sector and industries adjacent.
It’s worth recalling that this event brought together more than 200 actors in the energy sector, both local and international ones.