East Africa’s first utility-scale solar energy project is now online at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda.

The completion of Gigawatt Global’s 8.5 gigawatt (GW) solar project has boosted the country’s total grid capacity by 6 percent and represents the first completed project under the Africa Clean Energy Finance Initiative.

The $23.7 million solar energy project was officially brought online at a ceremony on February 5th attended by Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. James Musoni, and the Chief of Staff of the US Government’s Overseas Private Investment Corporation, John Morton, amongst others.

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“Top quality developers like Gigawatt Global are the keys to success for President Obama’s Power Africa Initiative,” stated Elizabeth Littlefield, President and CEO of OPIC. “After OPIC provided critical early-stage support through the ACEF program, Gigawatt smoothly and swiftly brought the project online to give Rwanda enough grid-connected power to supply 15,000 homes. Gigawatt Global in Rwanda is a clear demonstration that solar will be a key part of Africa’s energy solution.”

Source: Clean Technica