New Rusumo Power Plant to Illuminate Rwanda’s Upcoming Bugesera Airport

With an estimated investment of U.S.$2 billion, the Bugesera Airport's developers assert that the facility has the potential to significantly boost Africa's aviation industry

KIGALI, RWANDA – In a strategic development, Rwanda’s forthcoming Bugesera Airport is set to be connected to the regional Rusumo hydroelectric power plant, scheduled for inauguration by the end of 2023. This initiative, highlighted by Michel Nkurunziza in The New Times, aims to ensure a stable power supply for the new airport, slated for completion in 2026.

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The Rusumo power plant is anticipated to generate 80 MW of power, with the output shared among Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi. The hydroelectric facility will utilize water from the Akagera River, traversing the three nations.

With an estimated investment of U.S.$2 billion, the Bugesera Airport’s developers assert that the facility has the potential to significantly boost Africa’s aviation industry.

This groundbreaking project aligns with Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and regional collaboration. The Rusumo power plant’s strategic location and transnational power sharing underscore a cooperative effort to meet the energy needs of multiple nations.

The Bugesera Airport, a key component of Rwanda’s vision for enhanced air connectivity, is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the country’s economic growth. The connection to the Rusumo power plant not only ensures a reliable power source but also emphasizes the broader regional impact of infrastructure development.

As the project progresses, it signifies a step forward in harnessing renewable energy for crucial infrastructure, reflecting Rwanda’s dedication to sustainable development and fostering regional partnerships.

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The anticipated completion of the Rusumo power plant and its subsequent connection to Bugesera Airport mark a milestone in Rwanda’s quest for enhanced energy resilience and lay the foundation for a brighter future in air transportation across the East African region.