Inauguration of Jiji Hydroelectric Power Plant in Burundi: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of the Project

The government of Burundi has officially inaugurated the Jiji hydroelectric power plant in Bururi province, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s pursuit of increased electricity access and reduced reliance on imported energy. The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Évariste Ndayishimiye, national officials, and representatives from international development partners who co-financed the project.

Project Details and Capacity

Jiji is the first of two hydroelectric plants under development in the region, with the second plant, Mulembwe, expected to become operational shortly. Together, these plants will have:

• A combined installed capacity of 49.5 MW
• An estimated annual electricity production of 235 GWh
• Power supply to approximately 15,000 households, 7,000 businesses, and 1,700 industrial facilities nationwide

Financial and Institutional Partnerships

The $320 million project was financed through a partnership between the Government of Burundi and several international institutions, including:

1. African Development Bank (AfDB)
2. European Investment Bank (EIB)
3. World Bank (WB)
4. European Union (EU)

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Jiji hydroelectric power project strongly supports multiple SDGs, including:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – By increasing access to reliable and sustainable electricity, the project promotes clean energy solutions and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The project has created several hundred jobs during construction and is expected to stimulate further employment opportunities in the energy sector and related industries.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The development of renewable energy infrastructure supports industrialization and innovation in Burundi.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The renewable nature of the hydroelectric plants contributes to decarbonization efforts and climate change mitigation.
• SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Improved energy access supports social and economic development, reducing poverty and inequality.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

• Pascal Yembiline, AfDB Country Manager in Burundi: Emphasized the project’s alignment with AfDB’s strategic priorities and its role in increasing access to affordable and reliable energy for sustainable prosperity.
• Edward Claessen, Head of EIB Regional Hub for East Africa: Highlighted the significance of the project as a renewable energy initiative that reduces fossil fuel dependence and supports clean infrastructure development.
• Hawa Cisse Wagué, World Bank Representative in Burundi: Noted the project’s importance in driving Burundi’s economic and social development through improved energy access, industrialization, job creation, and economic growth.
• Elisabetta Pietrobon, EU Ambassador to Burundi: Stressed the EU’s commitment to energy as a central development priority and its support throughout the project’s design, implementation, and deployment phases.

Long-Term Impact and Future Outlook

The development partners reaffirmed their continued support for Burundi’s long-term vision to become an emerging economy by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. The project’s benefits include:

• Generation of employment opportunities and local economic growth
• Enhanced access to electricity supporting key sectors such as health, education, agribusiness, and information technology
• Improved conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Attraction of increased investment due to reliable and affordable power supply

Conclusion

The inauguration of the Jiji hydroelectric power plant represents a critical advancement in Burundi’s sustainable development journey. By addressing energy access and sustainability, the project exemplifies a comprehensive approach to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals and fostering long-term economic and social progress.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article focuses on the inauguration of the Jiji hydroelectric power plant, aimed at increasing access to electricity and reducing dependence on imported energy.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The project has generated several hundred jobs during construction and is expected to create more opportunities in the energy sector and related industries.
   • Improved access to electricity supports industrialization, job creation, and economic growth.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The development of hydroelectric plants represents infrastructure development and supports industrial growth.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The project reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels and promotes renewable energy, contributing to decarbonization efforts.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The project was financed through partnerships between the government of Burundi and international institutions such as AfDB, EIB, World Bank, and the EU.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

1. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Indicator 7.1.1: Proportion of population with access to electricity — implied by the expected supply of power to 15,000 households, 7,000 businesses, and 1,700 industrial facilities.
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption — implied by the hydroelectric plants’ contribution to clean energy production.
   • Electricity production capacity and annual electricity output (49.5 MW combined capacity and 235 GWh annually) as measures of infrastructure scale and energy availability.
2. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities — implied through job creation during construction and operation phases.
   • Economic growth indicators related to industrialization and business development supported by improved energy access.
3. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road — implied by improved infrastructure supporting economic activities.
   • Infrastructure investment and development metrics, such as the construction of power lines and substations.
4. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year — implied reduction through use of renewable hydroelectric power instead of fossil fuels.
5. SDG 17 Indicators
   • Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships — implied by the financing partnership between Burundi and international institutions.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: waterpowermagazine.com