Assessment of determinants influencing the development and implementation of hydro power projects in Rwanda (SUPPLY SIDE)

Abstract

One of the most critical issues in polluting the environment is the energy sector which requires a dramatic transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energysources exploitation. This necessitates a significant shift away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy (RE) mostly hydro power. As the global and local impact of fossil fuels grows, legislative and technological support for the deployment of clean energy technologies as a viable option for addressing environmental threats grows too. Drastic changes are happening and the commercial feasibility for green energy technologies are approaching, they are becoming increasingly desirable for a range in the environmental, social, economic, and factors related to technology.Regardless of the importance of renewable energy, scientific research on the factors influencing projects development and execution are very few, in order to collect data and deep researchin this study, a descriptive survey research method was used. The top, middle, and lower management staffs from financial sector, operational hydropower companies (IPP’s), energy promoter companies and project investors or owners were the study's target population. The sample sizes of 35 from 156 target population were chosen using stratified random sampling. The study had a total of 35 participants. The researcher relied on original data forquestionnairesto collect primary data from respondents; structured questionnaires with closed and open-ended questionnaires were employed. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and according to the report, financial, technical, environmental and stakeholder engagement are very importantfactors to consider in the development of hydropower projects. The study also indicates and revealed that the stakeholder participation has a substantial influence on the implementation of hydroelectric power projects. The research also suggests that the Rwandan government should invest major resources in technological innovation and skill development for national engineers. It further suggests that technical studies be conducted to minimize environmental difficulties, the report indicates that the cost of investing in hydropower projects is huge and that the Rwandan government should offer incentives and grants to the projects owners, commercial banks should have a more positive attitude toward hydropower projects in order to provide money in the form of loan financing, flexibility on collateral security requirements and favourable interest rates on project funding loans.