LAKE VICTORIA BASIN

To raise the investments required for the energy sector, EAC member states need to quickly formulate a regional framework for resource mobilization that will target multiple funding sources, including the private sector. Concerted effort is also required to expedite the implementation of the transboundary interconnection to move energy from countries with a surplus to countries with a deficit, and curb the development of expensive thermal power stations by embracing peak power swapping. Failure to respond speedily will see power demand in the region continue to outstrip supply, with a consequent increase in construction of new thermal- based emergency power plants. This, in turn, will negatively impact on the unit cost of electricity, reduce the competitiveness of the region’s products and slow down economic growth. The over-reliance on wood-based fuels by the basin states will not disappear overnight and the attendant problems of deforestation will continue to affect the region into the future (International Energy Agency 2014).

Energy development index

Percentage of population without access to electricity

The Energy Development Index (EDI) measures the progress in transitioning to reliable, clean and e cient fuels and energy services - like electricity and modern cooking appliances - at the household and community levels. Its maximum value is 1.00

94%

BURUNDI*

*No data available on Burundi’s Energy development index.

82%

RWANDA

82%

UGANDA

85%

TANZANIA

77%

KENYA

0.00

0.01

0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07

0.08

0.09

0.10

Sources: IEA, 2013, “World Energy Outlook 2012”, InternationalEnergyAgency; The World Bank Databank (databank.worldbank.org,accessJanuary 2016).

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Figure 3.3: Energy Development Index for Lake Victoria Basin countries

Hydro generation plant between Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera, Rwanda

93