Rutobotobo is thriving thanks to ARC Power’s mini-grid
Overview
In 2019 we installed an ARC Power mini-grid in the remote Rwandan village of Rutobotobo, bringing reliable, sustainable first-time energy to this small village of 270 houses.
Fast forward, and today Rutobotobo’s size has more than trebled with people attracted by the reliable, cheap power and a place they can now successfully raise a family and start a business.
How does it work?
ARC Power’s mini-grids (ARCs) are transported in standard 10,20 or 40-foot shipping containers, which on arrival at the installation site serve as housing for the battery storage, inverters and all other hardware.
Built to National Grid Standards in partnership with communities, ARCs are designed and constructed in-line with the strict specifications set out by the National Grid to meet the quality standards of national utility providers.
Using local teams ARC installs distribution poles and cabling from the ARCs (solar generation units) connecting each home, while in parallel teams on the ground build containerised ARC generation units, ready for testing and switch-on.
With ARC Power there is no connection fee and people can pay through their tariffs meaning everyone can have access to power.
What does is deliver?
“ARC is a very clean, sustainable solution which makes use of state-of-the-art technologies to deliver cheap, sustainable energy”
ARC Power Systems Manager, Annabel Johnstone
Following the successful installation of the ARC in Rutobotobo, businesses have been able to increase profitability and operational capabilities through access to affordable, reliable power. Many business owners can now extend working hours later into the day, improving efficiencies and working conditions.
The sustainable impact of power also brings with it secondary benefits including better healthcare (with access to information and services) and education with children able to study into the evenings.
What’s next?
ARC Power has the potential to revolutionise energy provision and the standard of living throughout the region, but it is estimated that universal access in Africa will cost $350bn between now and 2030.
“We have the tools to revolutionise power supply throughout the region, empowering communities and providing a scalable solution that meets decarbonisation targets.
It’s our aim to be best-in class distributed renewable energy company in Africa, but investment is critical to the this ambition”
Karl Boyce, CEO, ARC Power
