Rwanda seeks bids for floating solar project

Rwanda has opened a tender for the construction of a 200 MW floating solar power plant, paired with an 800 MWh battery energy storage system. The project will be built on Lake Sake in the Ngoma district, in the East Province of Rwanda.

Project follows independent power producer model

The project will be developed under the independent power producer (IPP) model, where a private company will build and operate the plant. The electricity generated will be purchased by Rwanda Energy Group (REG), a state-owned energy company, through its subsidiary Energy Utility Corporation Limited (EUCL).

Bidders must meet strict requirements

The selected bidder will be responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining both the solar plant and the battery storage system. Interested parties must demonstrate at least ten years of experience in renewable energy projects and meet technical and financial criteria outlined in the tender documents.

Prequalification deadline set for November 12

The prequalification phase of the tender requires interested parties to submit applications by November 12. A site visit for potential bidders is scheduled for October 23, and all submissions must be made electronically through the Rwanda Energy Group’s website.

Rwanda’s solar capacity remains limited

Rwanda’s solar energy sector is still in its early stages, with only 47.5 MW of operational solar capacity as of now. This is according to the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), which tracks solar developments across the continent.

Floating solar projects are rare in Africa

Despite the potential for floating solar power on Africa’s many reservoirs, such projects remain uncommon. A 2023 study estimated that 1% of Africa’s reservoirs could generate up to 100 GW of solar electricity, but only a few projects are currently underway.

Largest African floating solar project in Zimbabwe

The largest floating solar project in development across Africa is a 600 MW installation planned for Lake Kariba, shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia. Construction is expected to start in 2026, with the first phase of 150 MW coming online later.

Morocco hosts Africa’s largest operational floating solar plant

Currently, the largest operational floating solar plant in Africa is a 13 MW installation in Morocco, which began operating in July. This project highlights the growing interest in floating solar technology across the continent.