Burundi currently has approximately 9 MW of installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity. ⁶

Burundi’s total solar panel production capacity is projected to be around 16.5 MW by the end of 2024. ⁷

Hydropower dominates the market, with a cost of approximately $0.062 per kWh. ⁸

Burundi’s electricity generation is dominated by renewable sources, particularly hydropower: ⁹

• Hydropower: 88% of total generation
• Solar: 1.64% of total generation
• Biomass and Waste: 2.30% of total generation
• Non-Renewable (Fossil Fuels): 7.57% of total generation

Burundi is one of the least electrified countries in the world, with only about 11% of total population having the access to electricity. ⁵

The average daily availability of electricity from the national grid in Burundi is approximately 8 hours. ¹⁰

The exact number of residential solar kits installed in Burundi is not currently available.

Burundi currently has one major installed solar farm, the 7.5 MW Mubuga Solar Power Project, which has been operational since 2021 and provides over 10% of the country’s electricity. There are plans to double its capacity, indicating future expansions are projected. ¹¹

Burundi has inaugurated 11 new mini-grids, each with a capacity of 60 kilowatts, as part of its sustainable energy development initiative, significantly boosting rural electrification. This project aims to provide reliable electricity to approximately 15,000 people in remote communities, fostering economic growth and improving quality of life through renewable energy sources. ¹²

The penetration of quality-verified off-grid solar products in Burundi is very low, with only an estimated 50,000-100,000 products sold to date across the country, representing only 5% of the potential market. Nearly all of the systems sold so far have been entry-level products like pico lanterns, with almost no uptake of larger solar home systems (SHS). ¹⁰

^{6 7 13 14}

Burundi’s on-grid solar market is in its nascent stages, with around 9 MW of installed solar PV capacity as of 2023. The government is actively promoting solar energy through initiatives like the National Electrification Strategy, aiming to increase access to electricity, particularly in rural areas. The market is expected to expand as regulatory frameworks improve and financing options become more accessible.

However, challenges like high upfront costs, lack of technical expertise, supply chain issues and security concerns hinder faster adoption.

• The average monthly salary in the Burundi is $411. ¹⁵
• Solar Photovoltaic Installer: the average monthly salary is approximately $274. ¹⁶
• Solar Energy Systems Engineer: the average monthly salary is approximately $425. ¹⁷

The current population of Burundi is 14,106,998. ¹⁸

Estimate for Factory Rent ¹⁹

Indicative price range for warehouse rentals in Burundi is from $3 to $8 per square meter.

Industrial Electricity Rates ³

For commercial consumers, electricity tariffs in Burundi are:

• 1 US$/kWh for those consuming less than 100 kWh/month
• 9 US$/kWh for those consuming between 101 and 250 kWh/month
• 7 US$/kWh for those consuming above 250 kWh/month.

Water Costs ²⁰

Based on the sole available data, the average water tariff in Burundi is approximately 0.35 $/m3.

Salaries and Wages ^{16 17}

Worker of solar industry in Burundi earn between $274 and $425 monthly, depending on the position.

Rent for Office Space ¹⁹

In Burundi, the average rental price for commercial office spaces is ranges approximately from $4 to $15 per square meter.

Insurance ²¹

The average spending per capita in the Insurances market is estimated to be $17.94 in 2024.

^{2 3 4 22 23}

Energy Mix

Burundi’s energy consumption is heavily reliant on biomass, which accounts for approximately 94% of total energy consumption. The primary sources include:

• Firewood: About 70% of biomass consumption.
• Agricultural Residues: Approximately 18%.
• Charcoal: Around 6%.
• Electricity: Constitutes only 0.3% of total energy consumption.

The electricity generation capacity is primarily from hydropower, which represents about 95% of the total national generation capacity. The country has significant potential for hydropower, with an estimated 1,700 MW of resources, of which 300 MW is economically exploitable. Diesel and thermal power are used as temporary measures to bridge gaps in supply.

Less than 1% of the population has access to clean cooking solutions.

Infrastructure and Interconnections

Burundi’s electricity infrastructure faces significant challenges, including:

• Low Electrification Rate: Less than 7% of the population has access to electricity, with only 1% in rural areas.
• Interconnections: Burundi imports electricity from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) through the Ruzizi hydropower plants. It has agreements for purchasing power from regional plants, including Ruzizi II and plans for Ruzizi III.
• Infrastructure Condition: Approximately 60% of the electricity grid requires rehabilitation to meet interconnection standards of the East African Power Pool (EAPP).

Export and Import

Burundi imports electricity primarily from the DRC, with 3.5 MW sourced from Ruzizi I and 12 MW from Ruzizi II. The reliance on imported electricity highlights the vulnerabilities of Burundi’s energy supply, particularly during periods of drought that affect hydropower generation.

Policy Goal

The Burundian government has set several policy goals to improve the energy sector:

• Rural Electrification: Plans to extend the grid and promote alternative energy sources for low-income households.
• Hydropower Expansion: Focus on rehabilitating existing hydropower plants and developing new sites, including the construction of regional power plants in cooperation with neighboring countries.
• Investment in Renewable Energy: The government aims to increase private sector participation in the energy sector to address investment needs and improve infrastructure.
• Burundi joined the SEforALL initiative and has developed a Rapid Assessment to enhance energy access and promote sustainable energy solutions.

^{3 4 7 12}

Electricity Law of 2015: This law established a framework for private sector participation in the energy sector. It includes simplified authorization procedures for mini-grids, facilitating the development of solar energy projects by private entities. This regulation aims to encourage investment in off-grid solar solutions, particularly in rural areas.

National Electrification Strategy: The government has launched this strategy to increase access to electricity, especially in rural regions, through renewable energy sources, including solar. This strategy emphasizes the importance of solar energy in diversifying the energy mix and improving energy access.

Quality Standards: Although there have been issues with low-quality solar products in the past, the government is working towards establishing quality standards for solar equipment to ensure reliability and durability.

Capacity Building: Recognizing the need for technical expertise in the solar sector, the government is collaborating with international organizations to provide training programs aimed at developing local skills in solar technology installation and maintenance.

Despite these regulations and initiatives, several challenges remain:

• Infrastructure Limitations: The existing energy infrastructure requires significant upgrades to support new solar projects and integrate them into the national grid effectively.
• Economic Constraints: High levels of poverty can hinder investment in solar technologies, as many households may struggle to afford even subsidized solar products.
• Security Issues: Occasional cross-border conflicts and instability can deter foreign investment in the energy sector.

^{14 24 25}

Investment Incentives: The government is actively promoting investment in the solar industry by simplifying regulations and providing incentives for both local and foreign investors. This includes efforts to reward investors and foster public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop solar projects.

Solar Energy Project in Rural Communities (Soleil Nyakiriza): Launched by the Ministry of Hydraulics, Energy and Mines (MINHEM), this project aims to increase access to electricity through solar energy. It is financed by the World Bank and includes a $17 million fund specifically designed to provide affordable access to off-grid solar products for 65,000 households. This initiative also targets the distribution of 300,000 improved stoves for efficient cooking, addressing both energy and environmental concerns.

Solar Energy and Clean Cooking Fund (FESEC): This fund is part of the Solar Energy Project and is aimed at providing grants to private sector companies involved in the production, distribution, and financing of certified quality off-grid solar products. The FESEC fund has three funding windows: start-up grants for new SMEs, growth grants for established businesses, and result-based financing that subsidizes beneficiaries based on sales and installations. This structure encourages investment in solar technologies while promoting female entrepreneurship.

World Bank Initiatives: The World Bank’s Solar Energy in Local Communities Project aims to expand access to energy services for rural households, enterprises, schools, and health centers. The project has allocated $102 million to improve energy access, with a significant portion directed towards household solar systems. This initiative is expected to benefit around 90,000 customers and create economic opportunities in rural areas.

^{7 12 26}

Current projects:

Gigawatt Global Solar Plant in Mubuga

• Capacity: 7.5 MW
• Operational Since: October 2021
• Provides over 10% of the nation’s electricity, supplying clean power to thousands of homes and businesses.
• This project was developed by Gigawatt Global and is the first utility-scale solar field in Burundi. It was built with support from various international partners, including the UK government and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

Community Solar Initiatives

• Energy Hub: A community center powered by solar energy is in the planning stages. This initiative aims to promote local development through programs focused on women’s empowerment and education, alongside providing electricity for productive uses.

Projected projects:

Doubling Capacity of the Mubuga Plant

• Future Plans: The Burundian government has announced plans to double the generating capacity of the Mubuga solar plant. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to leverage renewable energy for improved access to electricity across the country.

National Electrification Strategy

• The government is actively promoting solar energy through laws and programs designed to attract investment in the solar sector. The National Electrification Strategy aims to enhance electricity access in rural areas using renewable sources, particularly solar.

^{27 28}

Gigawatt Global

• Headquarters: New York, USA
• Website: https://gigawattglobal.com/
• Details: An international renewable energy company, Gigawatt Global pioneered Burundi’s first utility-scale solar power plant. They focus on large-scale solar projects across emerging markets, contributing to sustainable energy solutions in developing regions.

ITCO Solar Energy

• Headquarters: Bujumbura, Burundi
• Website: https://www.itcosolar.com/
• Details: A local company specializing in solar energy solutions and installations throughout Burundi. ITCO Solar Energy provides solar power systems for residential and commercial applications, enhancing local access to renewable energy.

KLK

• Headquarters: Bujumbura, Burundi
• Website: https://klk.bi/
• Details: KLK is a Burundian company dedicated to solar panel installation and related services. They offer expertise in setting up solar systems for a variety of needs, helping to expand solar energy infrastructure in the region.

MARS Solar

• Headquarters: Marsberg, Germany
• Website: mars-solar.com
• Details: MARS Solar is a manufacturer of solar power systems, known for their off-grid solutions suitable for various applications. They have implemented solar solutions for commercial and residential buildings in Bujumbura, supported educational and healthcare facilities, and provided solar-powered water pumping systems to enhance water access across the country.

Voltalia

• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Website: voltalia.com
• Details: Voltalia is an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor engaged in community solar initiatives in Burundi and the development of the Muganwa Solar Power Plant, providing sustainable energy solutions to underserved regions and supporting local infrastructure development.

Inspired Evolution

• Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
• Website: inspiredevolution.com
• Details: A pan-African private equity investor, Inspired Evolution supports renewable energy projects across Africa, including Burundi. They invest in and develop sustainable energy solutions to drive economic and environmental benefits throughout the continent.

Sesma Burundi

• Headquarters: Bujumbura, Burundi
• Website: https://sesma-energy.com/burundi/
• Details: SESMA Energy has undertaken the Gitega Solar Project in Burundi, installing a 5 MW solar power plant that aims to boost the country’s renewable energy capacity. They are also involved in rural electrification initiatives, deploying solar solutions to enhance energy access in remote and underserved communities.