Burundi solar combi system

Why is Burundi launching a solar PV plant?

The pioneering 7.5 MW solar PV plant has increased Burundi’s generation capacity by over 10%, and is the country’s first substantial energy generation project to go online in over three decades, supplying clean power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses – just before the start of COP26. ( Video)

Will Burundi bring solar power to COP26 Gitega?

7.5 MW utility-scale power plant increases East African country’s generation capacity by more than 10% on the eve of COP26 Gitega, Burundi – 25 October 2021: A multinational effort to bring solar power to Burundi has been realized with the commercial operation of the country’s first-ever solar field.

Does Burundi have solar power?

Burundi has natural conditions favourable to the sustainable use of water and solar energy or wind power. The solar potential of Burundi is very interesting. The average annual power received is around 2000 kWh / m² per year, equivalent to the best European regions (southern Mediterranean).

Where is a solar power station located in Burundi?

The power station is located in the settlement of Mubuga, in the Gitega Province of Burundi, approximately 15.2 kilometres (9 mi), northeast of the city of Gitega, the political capital of that country. This power station is the first grid-connected solar project developed by an IPP in Burundi.

Will Burundi's first grid-connected solar farm light up the country's energy system?

UK Minister for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change, Greg Hands, said: “Today’s launch of Burundi’s first grid-connected solar farm will light up the nation’s energy system. It will strengthen the national grid supply and propel forward a promising future for the country in clean, green energy.

How many people were hired to operate Burundi's solar power station?

Another estimated 25-50 people were hired to operate the power station. In May 2023, Evariste Ndayishimiye, the president of Burundi toured the solar farm and personally gave his approval for the power station's capacity to be expanded to 15 megawatts.