Development of a Roadmap for Scaling-up Use of Solar Energy for Climate Resilient Water Supply Systems in Rwanda
Funder
United Nations Children`s Fund (UNICEF)
Value
£49,714 value to Coventry University
Collaborators
UNICEF; Coventry University; Water & Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) Group; Mesh Power Rwanda Ltd.
Project Team
Dr Jonathan Nixon (PI)
Duration of Project
03/03/2025 - 24/12/2025
Project Overview
Given Rwanda’s hilly topography, water supply systems require significant pumping to move water from valleys to hilltops. This leads to high electricity and diesel costs, and in many remote areas, intermittent power supply causes frequent water shortages.
Integrating water pumping stations with solar energy offers a sustainable solution, enhancing the climate resilience of water supply systems, reducing operational costs for operators, and lowering water prices for consumers.
To support this transition, there is an urgent need to develop a roadmap for scaling up solar energy in Rwanda’s water supply systems. The roadmap will leverage the experiences of Rwanda Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) Group, UNICEF, MeshPower Ltd and Coventry University (CU), drawing on lessons learnt from their regional and global solar initiatives. The programme will identify the most promising sites for solarisation and establish a solar water pumping demonstrator system, providing a platform for sensor-based monitoring, testing smart water management features, and serving as a best-practice model for wider adoption.
Project Objectives
The overall objective of the project is to promote solar energy for water pumping and reduce operational costs of water supply and enhance climate resilience in Rwanda. The specific objectives are:
- Generate evidence and practical guidance to scale up solar water pumping nationwide.
- Conduct site visits and surveys of approximately 150 water pumping stations in rural Rwanda.
- Identify priority water pumping sites for conversion to solar systems.
- Design and implement a demonstrator solar water pumping system.
Impact Statement
This project will strengthen Rwanda’s government systems to enable universal access to safe and sustainable WASH services in line with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST-2), ensuring households in both rural and urban areas enjoy reliable and affordable water supply. By transitioning water pumping systems to solar energy, the project will reduce operational costs,lower water tariffs, and cut greenhouse gas emissions, while enhancing climate resilience.
Ultimately, the project will support Rwanda’s more remote and vulnerable populations in gaining equitable access to quality water, sanitation, and hygiene services, alongside broader benefits for health, nutrition, and education, contributing to inclusive and sustainable development.
Outputs
- Data Collection from Pumping Sites: comprehensive data, including interviews with operators and surveys of sites; this data will inform site selection, feasibility assessments, and system design.
- Site Viability Assessment: identification of water pumping sites that are economically and technically suitable for solarisation, considering key criteria such as accessibility, space availability, population and buildings served, system condition, and potential cost savings.
- Feasibility study and roadmap report: system schematics, implementation budgets, and costed maintenance plans for solarisation of different sites.
- Demonstrator Solar Pumping Site: a pilot site for in-field testing of sensors, algorithms, and monitoring equipment, serving as a model for wider adoption.
- Funding concept note to mobilise resources for implementing smart solar water pumping solutions in Rwanda.
