Keya Hydropower Plant Boosts Rwanda’s Renewable Energy from Sebeya River

On the winding Sebeya River in Rubavu District, Western Rwanda, the Keya Hydropower Plant is proving how efficient management can transform energy production. Once struggling with low output, the 2.2-megawatt facility now supplies around 12 million kilowatt-hours annually to the national grid, powering thousands of households and businesses.

“When ENERGICOTEL took over operations, production was just 1.6 GWh. Today it stands at 12 GWh, more than ten times the previous output,” said Eng. Carine Mukashyaka, an electrical engineer and Managing Director of ENERGICOTEL Plc, which built and runs the plant. “We have been improving efficiency, and so far so good.”

Keya’s success has not come without challenges. The Sebeya River is prone to flooding during the rainy season, and heavy sedimentation threatens to disrupt operations.

“Sebeya is one of the stubborn rivers in the country,” Mukashyaka explained. “Floods and sedimentation have been our main challenges, but with strong infrastructure and preventive maintenance, we keep the plant running at full capacity.”

Beyond tackling technical hurdles, ENERGICOTEL is focused on engaging the communities living along the Sebeya River. “Hydropower is already environmentally friendly, but we go further by working with communities and local governments to support their needs,” Mukashyaka said.

The Sebeya River now powers three hydropower plants producing a combined 4.8 megawatts, highlighting its growing importance in Rwanda’s energy mix. Keya’s story also illustrates the importance of private sector collaboration in the country’s renewable energy transition.

Serge Wilson Muhizi, CEO of Energy Private Developers (EPD), emphasized that entrepreneurs should remain optimistic.

“As entrepreneurs, we must continue to work together, because when people work together, they can go a long way. There is no reason to be discouraged. Everything is possible when people come together. The opportunity is there, and we aim to bring entrepreneurs together to see how they can collaborate,” Muhizi said.

The plant operates against a backdrop of ambitious national targets. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Rwanda’s installed generation capacity has grown from 110 megawatts in 2014 to about 465 megawatts today, with renewable sources, mainly hydro and solar, accounting for 56 percent of the mix.

By 2030, Rwanda aims to reach 615 megawatts of installed capacity, with renewables expected to surpass 60 percent. The government is preparing a large-scale solar power plant to help meet that target.

While ENERGICOTEL has no immediate plans to expand Keya’s capacity, the plant demonstrates how private operators can significantly boost efficiency. “Our focus is on ensuring Keya remains reliable while we explore other opportunities across the country and abroad,” Mukashyaka said.

From modest beginnings to becoming a key supplier to Rwanda’s energy grid, the Keya Hydropower Plant illustrates how private investment, careful management, and collaboration can keep rivers like Sebeya flowing with both power and promise.