Rwanda’s renewable energy sector is gaining international attention after Egyptian hospitality group Sunrise Resorts & Cruises expressed interest in developing a large-scale solar and battery storage project in the country. The proposed investment outlines a 200 MW solar photovoltaic facility integrated with battery energy storage systems, designed to enhance grid stability and support Rwanda’s growing electricity demand.
The initiative reflects a broader trend in Rwanda’s energy landscape, where non-traditional energy investors are increasingly entering the market as the country pushes toward universal electricity access and a cleaner energy mix. According to discussions facilitated at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Sunrise Resorts CEO Hossam El Shaer signed preliminary Heads of Terms with the Rwanda Development Board, signaling early-stage commitment to the project. However, key details such as total investment value, construction timeline, and project location remain under negotiation.
Rwanda’s energy expansion strategy is ambitious. The government aims to significantly scale installed generation capacity while increasing the share of renewables to 60% of the national energy mix by 2030. Solar energy is expected to play a central role in this transformation. At present, solar contributes only a small fraction of Rwanda’s total electricity supply. Despite rapid growth in overall generation capacity, from roughly 220 MW in 2020 to over 460 MW in recent years, energy access and reliability remain key national priorities.
The government estimates that achieving its 2030 targets will require approximately $4 billion in investment, with a significant portion directed toward generation infrastructure, including solar, hydropower, and distributed energy systems.
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The proposed 200 MW project aligns with Rwanda’s push to diversify energy sources beyond hydropower, which currently dominates its renewable mix but remains vulnerable to climate variability.
Battery storage integration is particularly important in this context. By smoothing out solar intermittency, storage systems can ensure consistent power supply for both residential and commercial users, while also supporting industrial expansion and rural electrification.
The project also highlights Rwanda’s growing appeal as a renewable energy investment destination in East Africa. Stable governance, clear energy policies, and strong institutional coordination have made the country attractive to foreign investors seeking long-term infrastructure opportunities.
If implemented, the Sunrise Resorts project could become one of Rwanda’s largest private-sector solar investments to date, signaling a new phase in the country’s energy transition.
By Thuita Gatero, Managing Editor, Africa Digest News. He specializes in conversations around AI and energy.
