Progress for On-Grid Renewable Energy Systems: Identification of Sustainability Factors for Small-Scale Hydropower in Rwanda

In Rwanda, most small-scale hydropower systems are connected to the national grid supply additional generation capacity. The Rwandan rivers characterized by low flow-rates and a majority of plants below 5 MW purpose this study is provide scientific overview positive negative factors affecting sustainability in Rwanda. Based on interviews, field observation, secondary data for 17 plants, we found that contributing plant are; favorable regulations policies supporting sale electricity grid, sufficient annual rainfall, suitable topography run-of-river construction. However, decrease river discharge during dry season affects production while rainy high levels sediment soil erosion. This shortens turbine lifetime, causes unplanned outages, increases maintenance costs. Further, there need increase local expertise reduce cost. Our analysis identifies environmental related amount quality water as main current problem potential future threat hydropower. findings relevant energy developers, scholars, policy-makers Rwanda East Africa.