Igniting the Power Grid in Rwanda using NASA EOS

EarthzineDEVELOP Fall 2013 VPS, DEVELOP Virtual Poster Session, Original

Team Location: Wise County Clerk of Court’s Office, Wise, Virginia; and Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia

Energy demand (2010) based on average energy consumption per capita and population distribution data from Suomi NPP satellite and AfriPop project, at 100-meter resolution. Image Credit: Rwanda Energy Team, NASA DEVELOP National Program.

Energy demand (2010) based on average energy consumption per capita and population distribution data from Suomi NPP satellite and AfriPop project, at 100-meter resolution. Image Credit: Rwanda Energy Team, NASA DEVELOP National Program.

Authors:

Faith Mwiza, Project Lead (California Baptist University)

Gaspard Twagirayezu (Oklahoma Christian University)

Emmanuel Muzungu (Oklahoma Christian University)

Dieudonne Dusenge (Oklahoma Christian University)

Mentors/Advisers:

Kenton Ross, Ph.D. (NASA DEVELOP National Science Adviser)

DeWayne Cecil, Ph.D. (Global Science and Technology Inc., National Climatic Data Center)

Merna Saad (Christopher Newport University)

Past/Other Contributors:

Nirav Patel (University of Florida)

Angela Unrein (University of Kansas)

Vincent Mwumvaneza (California Baptist University)

Abstract:

Rwanda is heavily dependent on imported petroleum products for energy. Roughly 42 percent of electricity produced in the country is procured from diesel generators. Thus, as a means of reducing environmental harm while also increasing energy and economic security, Rwanda is focusing on developing green energy sectors. Utilizing NASA’s Earth observations including Terra’s Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (NPP) and other satellite products, this study aimed to pinpoint potential wind and hydropower energy production sites. Wind data was derived from NASA Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy (SSE) dataset alongside in-situ data to validate the values derived. This data, along with population and land-use datasets were used to identify potential sites for wind farms in Rwanda. By utilizing the ASTER Digital Elevation Model (DEM), slope, aspect, flow accumulation and associated parameters were computed using ArcHydro. Combining this with in-situ data, potential sites for hydropower generation were identified in ArcScene. Additionally, night-light data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor on the Suomi NPP satellite provided information on human development extent and proximity to human settlements. The human settlements and night-light data together with energy demand values were used to assess the benefits of green energy resources to local communities. Collaborating with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda and Rwanda Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), all results were transferred to the project partner at the conclusion of the project.

Return to the Fall 2013 VPS page.