Burundi will soon see the construction of two hydropower stations totaling 48 MW as the World Bank just announced it will support the Jiji-Mulembwe project with a $100-million loan. The landlocked country’s current electricity demand stands at around 46 MW, but is expected to increase to 92 MW in 2018.
MakhtarDiop, World Bank Vice President for Africa, said: “By developing hydropower responsibly, the World Bank can contribute to peace and stability in the wider Great Lakes region. The Jiji-Mulembwe hydropower project will deliver clean, low-cost hydropower and development impact for Burundi while also protecting the environment.”
The World Bank has been investing in the region’s hydropower for a while, including the Rusumo Falls hydrodam. The European Investment Bank announced in February 2013 that it would inject 50% of the necessary capital to install 50 MW of hydropower in Burundi specifically.
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