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The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) has issued a call for tenders for the construction of photovoltaic and mini-hydro grids ranging in size from 10 kW to 1 MW.

The bank is seeking consultants to prepare the third tender of the $48.9 million Renewable Energy Fund (REF). The initiative aims to deploy photovoltaic and mini-hydro grids with a capacity of 10 kW to 1 MW across the country. These hybrid mini-grids will be coupled with battery storage.

The selected consultant will be responsible for evaluating pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, and loan applications for renewable energy mini-grid investment projects that are submitted to BRD by developers seeking REF funding.

It will also be responsible for overseeing the implementation of BRD-funded mini-grid projects as well as related technical assistance for sector strengthening, in accordance with the contents of the RFP.

The successful consultant will be responsible for assessing the effectiveness, veracity and viability of the investment project proposals through document reviews and site visits. Applications from interested consultants are due by December 30.

According to 2020 data from the International Renewable Energy Agency, Rwanda has 31 MW of installed solar capacity. Total power generation capacity is currently only 259 MW and only 35% of the population has access to electricity. The East African country aims to increase access to 100% by 2024, with off-grid solar solutions contributing 48%.