Organized in the framework of the SUCCEED Network project, a National Round Table Forum “Energy Access and Energy Efficiency” was held on November 16, 2016 and November 23, 2016 at the School of Science, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda. This was part of the University of Rwanda’s initiative to maintain a dialogue with the industry through a series of conferences and discussions between managers and scientists, administrative staff, students and members of the UR Energy Efficient Unit. The aim of the event was to bring together the main stakeholders in the field of energy in Rwanda to exchange ideas and discuss energy issues at a national level in Rwanda. 

The specific objectives of the National Round Table were to:

• Discuss problems and issues in the field of Energy affecting National Stakeholders, with the idea of identifying where the Higher Education System could contribute with specific services/input. 
• Encourage dialogue and strengthen co-operation links in the energy sector at national level among academia, researchers, industries and policy makers. 
• Present the Succeed Network projects and their developments. 

The National Round Table brought together staff and students from various units and departments of the University of Rwanda, with representatives from the industry, including the General Manager of Symbion Power Lake Kivu Ltd. and the CEO of Rwanda Energy Group Ltd. The industry representatives were very grateful for the opportunity to interact directly with professors and students during these meetings.

The CEO REG highlighted recent developments and challenges on Energy Access and Energy Efficiency in Rwanda. The gaps and challenges presented, demonstrated opportunities for academia for collaboration, especially areas of partnership in research and development in energy sector. Staff of the Research Development Unit which was recently approved by the REG Board of Directors will work closely with university researchers on various topics related to the energy sector in Rwanda. This will help students and scientists of UR engage more with REG through Technology Transfer systems in order to develop renewable energy technologies.

Additionally, the General Manager of Symbion Power Lake Kivu Ltd highlighted the recent technology used in producing power from extraction of methane gas of Lake Kivu which presents an opportunity for Rwanda to increase its capacity of production of electricity. 

The full Report of the Round Table “Energy Accessibility & Efficiency in Rwanda” is available to download in the Resources section of our website.

These events were also reported by the University of Rwanda on the College of Science & Technology’s website:

http://cst.ur.ac.rw/index.php/news/142-ceo-of-reg-delivers

http://cst.ur.ac.rw/index.php/news/145-ur-drives-to-strengthen-relations-with-industry

Photo by U.Rwanda: The CEO of REG Ltd Eng. Jean-Bosco Mugiraneza delivering a lecture on Recent Developments and challenges on Energy Access and Energy Efficiency in Rwanda.