A second ARC is delivered to Rwamucumu, Murama in Rwanda
On 23rd September, the local community in Rwamucumu, Murama took delivery of the second ARC in Rwanda. This second, larger ARC is 40ft to allow for additional storage space and is the latest development in the ARC Power pilot scheme, funded by the Renewable Energy Performance Platform (REPP) and managed by Camco Clean Energy, to install 8 solar mini-grid systems in Rwanda’s Bugesera District.
From Kigali to Rwamucumu
Moving a 40ft container is no small task! Our team of seven began the journey in the free trade zone in Kigali (where the containers are currently stored) at 10 in the morning and the mission was completed by 4pm that afternoon.
A crane was used to move the container from its storage spot in Kigali to the back of a 40foot flat-bed truck. The truck then undertook the challenging journey from Kigali to the site in Rwamucumu – a distance of 55km.
Due to the size and condition of the roads, another truck and transfer was required to complete the journey to Rwamucumu. With 2km to go, the container was moved from the 40ft truck to a smaller truck that was better able to handle the road conditions and carry out the manoeuvres required to get onto the site. Thanks to the very skilled team from Road Transport Network the entire process was undertaken with a high level of professionalism and safety.
There will be two trained team members and two trainees from the local community undertaking the ARC build and installation on site at Rwamucumu.
Power for all
The ARC will connect circa 290 households to affordable, reliable and clean power which will also benefit local educational and healthcare facilities and small businesses.
The pilot scheme forms part of an initial phase of development before a national roll out which will total 220 mini-grids across the rural Rwanda connecting circa 250K people. A third ARC is scheduled for delivery at the end of November 2019.
On the successful delivery of the second ARC to Rwamucumu, Penny-Jane Cooke, Compliance and Capacity Building Manager at ARC Power said:
“The 23rd of September was the first time ARC Power undertook the process of transporting a 40ft container as smaller containers have been used in the past. Massive kudos to the ARC team and our new transport partner Road Transport Network for ensuring a professional and safe delivery under challenging circumstances. Any logistical issues pale into insignificance when you witness the enthusiasm and joy the ARC arrival brings to the community who will benefit from the power it will generate."
