“GLOBAL SUN & WIND POWER CORP intends to invest an initial capital of US$2 million to produce electricity in Rwanda, and also manufacture a variety of materials and equipment for generating power from wind and solar,” said Kaliisa, who is in the country with Don Logsdon, the firm’s President and CEO, and Gordon D. Waldock, who will be the company’s country representative in Rwanda.
Following their participation at the Energy Forum, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Pierre-Damien Habumuremyi. They reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to begin operations soon in Rwanda. They were in the country to finalise the acquisition of the required documents in preparation for the launch. In December 2011, the company submitted the proposal to the Ministry of Infrastructure for permission to operate in Rwanda. For their latest trip, the team was only in Rwanda for a short stay.
“These investors have the appropriate technology to generate electricity from medium and high wind speeds. They are waiting for Government approval to launch their business,” said Dauda Kaliisa, a Rwandan who has lived in the United States since 1984.
Kaliisa is President of Project ACE (African Community Empowerment Project-Capacity of the African Community). “Currently, we support communities of Nyamateke in Nyarubuye Sector, Kirehe District in Eastern Province. We started by helping schools by providing water, books, toilets and electricity,” he said.
Project ACE will provide solar energy to Nyamateke primary school and then computers. Mayor Kirehe surfaced a house that will serve as local production of this solar energy.
Project ACE grants US$56,000 Kirehe School
“This is only initial support. Within three years, we hope to extend substantial assistance of US$200, 000,” said Kaliisa, adding that he is collaborating with another company Global Partners Consulting LLC which aims to eradicate poverty through self-help solutions. The intervention areas include renewable energy, infrastructure and transportation.
In terms of investment, Daudi Kaliisa approached GLOBAL SUN & WIND POWER CORP. to persuade them to consider Rwanda, a country he has enjoyed since his arrival. Upon acquisition of permission to operate in Rwanda, the Company will move on to feasibility studies, and to register.
Engineers will be brought in from California and will determine the initial operation sites, including the 700 villages that will be also selected by the Government of Rwanda to benefit from solar and wind energy.
According to projections, the company will develop a mass production plan for equipment and materials used in the production of solar and wind energy. After its establishment in Rwanda, the company hope to expand to eastern and Southern Africa. It will be an extension aimed at conquering a vast market by providing innovative and efficient energy to many millions of users. A wining bet indeed.