InfraCo Africa and Equatorial Power are developing mini-grids in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The two companies wish to promote access to renewable energy and agricultural transformation.
A project for the local population
InfraCo Africa develops with Equatorial Power clean energies in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The two partners will invest $1.7 million to deploy their mini-grid. Thus, the project includes 4 agro-processing mini-grids (APH) on Idjwi Island.
The installation of 4 mini-grids of solar panels and 4 additional APH is under study in the South East of Rwanda. In addition, InfraCo Africa and Equatorial Power are committed to providing access to electricity for small businesses. In addition, both companies will take into account the objectives of sustainable development.
The mini-grids will have a variable power between 60kW and 85kW. In addition, they will have a battery storage system. In addition, the system will adapt to the variation in light during the rainy season.
Equatorial Power for sustainable development
The project will guarantee approximately 3300 connections to low-income consumers in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 2500 in Rwanda. In addition, InfraCo Africa and Equatorial Power will provide renewable energy to 35,000 people by 2023. Equatorial Power’s Business Development Manager, Dario Fallara, says:
“We are thrilled to have the right partner to join us in this project and go beyond electrons to provide modern and sustainable rural infrastructure to the people of DRC and Rwanda.”
Equatorial Power is an energy infrastructure company dedicated to providing a sustainable energy source. The company owns and operates several agricultural processing plants. These HPAs provide local communities with access to water purification, refrigeration or fish drying services.
Equatorial Power also offers business incubation programs to promote the optimal use of renewable energy. InfraCo Africa’s business development manager, Nabil Saimi, says:
“InfraCo Africa has a strong track record in developing mini-grids in sub-Saharan Africa and we are excited to bring our expertise to Rwanda and DRC. We are committed to providing clean energy and are excited to support EP’s innovative initiative to couple access to electricity with the agricultural transformation system to develop jobs and growth.”
The use of these mini-grids can fill gaps in local value chains and promote economic development.
