The new facility, designed to incinerate more than 400 tons of municipal solid waste every day and generate 15 megawatts (MW) of electricity for Rwanda’s national grid, is set up in the Mussanze district.
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According to Paulin Mbrano, founder and managing director of Waste Power Plant Ltd (WPP), the factory aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create employment opportunities.
The initiative forms part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to convert waste into energy, in line with the country’s 10-year climate action plan known as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Climate Agreement.
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“The Kavmu Waste Power Plant is currently being implemented. A detailed feasibility study has been conducted by SMEC International Pty Ltd in Australia. The goal is to incinerate waste from all major cities across the country, keeping the environment clean and generating 15 MW for Rwanda’s power grid,” Mburano explained.
“Wash is a major source of harm. It causes disease, water and air pollution, soil pollution, and occupy valuable space at dump sites.”
Mbulano also pointed out that the project will help the government meet its commitment to the international environment, such as the Montreal protocol and the Basel Convention.
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“The project is expected to be implemented within 30 months and has an estimated total cost of $73 million. The Musanze district has been selected for its rapid expansion and central location, particularly among the major waste production cities of Kigali and Rubab,” he said.
He added that the project will also help prevent pollution in the Mpenge River.
“The river should never be allowed to dry out. The location of the factory between other power plants such as Mukunwa I, II and Muko will facilitate connections with the National Grid,” he added.
Clarice Uwaniligira, vice mayor in charge of economic development in the Musanze district, praised the project for its potential to create jobs and improve electricity access.
The factory is expected to be built in Kabum village, Kigonbesel, Muhoza Sector and Musanze Town, creating 523 permanent jobs and employing 217 casual workers, both local and international companies.
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According to the Ministry of Infrastructure (Mininfra), Rwandans produce an average of 0.44 kilograms of waste per person per day, 80% of which is primarily a matter of food waste and plants.
The government is encouraging the private sector to utilize 3,661 tons of organic waste produced daily across the country by converting it into useful products.
As part of these efforts, a biowast treatment facility was recently launched at Nduba Dumpsite, Kigali.
The facility can process 5 tons of organic waste per day and convert it into fertilizer.
When fully operational, emissions are expected to be reduced by approximately 15,320 tons per year.
Infrastructure Minister Jimmy Gasore said the project is being rolled out in two stages.
“Phase 2 will focus on the economic use of waste resources, including recycling, composting and waste to energy conversion,” he said.
