Is it necessary to replace the outdoor power supply in Burundi

Does Burundi have a power supply deficit?

Burundi faces severe constraints in electricity supply. The supply deficit currently varies between 12.9 MW during the wet season and 23.5 MW during the dry season when the country’s main hydropower plants are running at reduced capacity. The deficit in the power supply leads to frequent outages.

How does Burundi benefit from electricity imports?

Burundi also benefits from imports from the regional hydro plants of Rusizi I and II, which are operated by Société Nationale d’Electricité (SNEL), and SINELAC, respectively. Currently, these imports account for 40% of the electricity consumption.

What is the power sector like in Burundi?

A key feature of the power sector in Burundi is the very low level of electrification. Less than 5% of the population have access to the national grid (average in Sub-Sahara Africa 26%), and even they are facing power cuts on a daily basis during dry season.

Is poor quality power service undermining economic growth in Burundi?

Poor-quality power service is undermining opportunities for economic growth in Burundi and the lack of investments has compromised access to expansion efforts.

What is the most common off-grid electricity source in Burundi?

Solar energy is the most common off-grid electricity source in Burundi, although the number of systems installed is very slow. With the global price droping of solar technologies a small solar sector emerged in the recent years, that offer smaller systems for private households, businesses and public institutions.

How much power does Burundi have?

Burundi’s installed electrical capacity stands at about 115 megawatts, and less than 15% of the country’s 12 million people are connected to the national grid, according to official figures. The country’s 10-year development plan until 2027 says 400 megawatts are needed to meet industrialization goals.