INES-Ruhengeri Inaugurates Busengo Living Lab in Gakenke District

September 19, 2024 — INES-Ruhengeri proudly marked the inauguration of the Busengo Living Lab, a significant milestone in Rwanda's journey toward a sustainable energy future. The event was graced by the Guest of Honor, Ms. Vestine MUKANDAYISENGA, Mayor of Gakenke District. This remarkable achievement is part of the GREATER project, a collaborative initiative co-funded by the European Union under @Erasmus+. The project is designed to equip students from four Rwandan universities and the surrounding communities with vital skills in renewable energy and smart control technologies to drive Rwanda’s energy transition. 

Key Features of the Busengo Living Lab:

• A hands-on training environment that fosters innovation, education, and the productive use of clean energy.
• Collaboration with multiple partners to implement photovoltaic energy solutions and IoT-based monitoring techniques.
• A platform that showcases renewable energy technologies, bridging academic learning with real-world community applications.

The GREATER project is pivotal in the diffusion of renewable energy and green practices. By developing curricula on smart, sustainable energy, the project takes a crucial step toward addressing energy poverty in Rwanda. This aligns with the country’s ambitious goal of achieving universal access to electricity in the near future. The project also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between European and Rwandan universities, with institutions from industrialized nations playing a vital role in addressing the educational needs of low-income countries.

Photo: Ms.Mukandayisenga Vestine, the Mayor of Gakenke District.

Mayor Mukandayisenga’s Gratitude

During the event, attendees had the opportunity to tour the lab and witness its innovative materials in action. In her speech, Mayor Mukandayisenga Vestine expressed deep gratitude to INES-Ruhengeri for pioneering this lab. She highlighted that the facility will empower students and local communities with essential skills in renewable energy and smart technologies—an investment that will benefit both the community and Rwanda’s energy landscape.

Fr. Dr. Baribeshya: Aligning Education with Community Impact

Photo: Fr. Dr. Baribeshya Jean Bosco, Vice-Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri

Fr. Dr. Baribeshya Jean Bosco, Vice-Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri, emphasized how this initiative aligns with the university’s mission. He stated, "This aligns with INES’ vision of using what is taught at the university to benefit the community. Our goal is to contribute to national efforts to promote environmental sustainability by using solar-generated electricity to improve lives."

He also mentioned that the GREATER project is active in four Rwandan universities: University of Rwanda , INES-Ruhengeri , UTAB_ BYUMBA , and IPRCTumba. Each institution is home to a Solar Energy Living Lab, and by 2026, the project aims to train 1,000 individuals at each site, empowering a new generation of skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector.

Prof. Paolo Ciampolini: A Vision for Renewable Energy

Photo: Prof. Paolo Ciampolini, the GREATER Project Coordinator.

Prof. Paolo Ciampolini, the GREATER Project Coordinator, highlighted the strategic vision behind the initiative. He noted, "The GREATER project began with recognizing the pivotal role of renewable energy for the future. The aim is to help Rwandan universities develop high-quality education in renewable energy technologies by designing curricula and building laboratories. We are also conducting research to ensure that students learn to produce environmentally friendly electricity, integrating it with Rwandan culture."

The Busengo Living Lab, based in Gakenke District, Busengo Sector, is now operational, serving as a cornerstone in Rwanda’s mission to achieve sustainable energy for all. The lab not only provides a platform for technical education but also acts as a bridge between academic research and practical, real-world applications that benefit local communities.

This inauguration marks a significant step toward a brighter, greener future for Rwanda and beyond.