Does Burundi have access to electricity?

Access to Electricity Burundi remains the least country in the world in terms of access to electricity. Statistics from the World Development Indicator show that more than 90% of the Burundian population doesn’t access to electricity in 2017. Access to electricity benefits much more urban areas (61.8%) than rural ones (2%).

How can Burundi improve electricity generation?

The electricity generation may be diversified. Burundi may continue its interconnection program with the neighboring countries in order to import electricity, reduce technical losses. It has to prioritize regional projects for generation, transmission and cross-border trade.

Why is Burundi launching a power generation master plan?

The project aims to support the development of a power generation master plan expected to highlight the various renewable energy options for Burundi in the ‘power generation segment’, paving the way for strong private sector participation which is critical for meeting the massive challenges of the power sector in the country.

What causes low access to electricity in Burundi?

The lack of investments in power generation is one of the main causes of low access to electricity in Burundi. When the last hydroelectric plant was commissioned in 1989, Burundi accounts for 13,799 customers, which increased to 119,132 in 2017.

How much electricity does Burundi use a year?

Blimpo & Cosgrove-Davies (2019) show that in 2014, average consumption per capita in SSA is 483 kWh. It’s an amount needed to power a 50-watt lightbulb continuously a year. In Burundi, consumption per capita remains around 20 kWh per year and is one of the lowest value in East Africa and the World.

Where does Burundi's energy come from?

The majority of Burundi’s existing 34 MW capacity comes from domestic hydropower, with the remainder coming from 6 MW of installed thermal capacity, one grid-connected 400 kWp solar plant and imported hydro energy from the Democratic Republic of Congo.