The upcoming airport in Bugesera district, Rwanda, will be linked to the regional Rusumo hydroelectric power plant, scheduled for inauguration by the close of 2023.

The objective is to guarantee a consistent power source for the upcoming airport construction. Patricie Uwase, Minister of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure, revealed the strategy to senators on Wednesday. The power facility is anticipated to provide 80 MW, distributed among Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi.

The project, valued at $340 million, aims to harness the power of the Akagera River spanning three countries. It is part of the Nile Basin Initiative’s investment programs, tasked with facilitating collaborative trans-boundary projects for regional transformation or in-country initiatives with broader regional impact, specifically focused on the shared use of Nile Basin water resources.

Rwanda seeks to augment its national grid by an additional 27 MW of electricity. The ambitious plan extends beyond power generation, with intentions to make the airport environmentally friendly. The vision includes utilizing renewable energy from the newly established Rusumo hydroelectric power plant and implementing an intelligent electricity usage system at the airport.

Efforts to achieve green status involve installing energy-efficient equipment, replacing high-consumption devices with more economical alternatives. This strategic approach ensures optimal energy efficiency, with a commitment to reducing power consumption. Furthermore, the airport’s lighting system is envisioned to be responsive, automatically turning off when not needed to enhance energy conservation.

The airport’s transformation into a green space serves as a tangible demonstration of the government’s dedication to implementing the Green Building Minimum Compliance System (GBMCS), a component of Rwanda’s National Building Code. This initiative encompasses various aspects such as energy conservation, water usage reduction, waste management, material efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and the promotion of green transportation within the airport.

Ongoing construction work adheres to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification standards, a globally recognized program for certifying green buildings. LEED provides a comprehensive framework for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining environmentally friendly buildings, homes, and neighborhoods, fostering environmental responsibility and efficient resource utilization for building owners and operators.

As of 2023, more than 105,000 buildings worldwide have received LEED certification. The construction progress on Bugesera district’s proposed international airport is gaining momentum, with optimism that it will be completed by 2026. Representing a substantial $2 billion investment, the airport aims to significantly contribute to the growth of Africa’s aviation industry.

Developers envision a state-of-the-art facility featuring a 130,000-square-meter main terminal building capable of serving 8 million passengers annually, with projections for this number to surpass 14 million in the coming decades. The airport will also include a dedicated cargo terminal designed to handle 150,000 tons of cargo each year.

Qatar Airways is set to play a substantial role, holding a 60 percent ownership stake in the new airport and acquiring a 49 percent share in Rwanda’s national carrier, Rwandair.