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 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).

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).

How much electricity does Burundi use per capita?

Electricity consumption per capita is very low, at 25 kWh per person annually (“Intended Nationally Determined Contribution Burundi” 2015). Only seven other countries have lower electricity consumption per capita (“Per Capita Electricity Use” n.d.). One reason for low per-capita electricity consumption is the high tariff rate.

Will foreign investment weaken Burundi's self-sufficiency?

The 2015 Electricity Act enables foreign investments in the power sector. Laws are in place to allow tax benefits for energy investment and public private partnerships. These laws can help accelerate investment in renewable energy infrastructure. However, direct foreign investment may weaken Burundi’s jurisdiction and self-sufficiency.