Evaluating strategies for renewable energy development in Rwanda: An integrated SWOT – ISM analysis

• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.05.104
• Publication Date: 2021-05-25T21:26:21Z
• Authors: Marie Claire Muke...; Zhen-Yu Zhao; Jean Pierre Nshim...
• Keywords: 11. Sustainability; 0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering; 1. No poverty; 02 engineering and technology; 7. Clean energy; 12. Responsible consumption

Abstract Rwanda faces energy shortage, despite having ample energy resources potential. Developing renewable energy (RE) could meet the country's energy needs to achieve sustainable development. This study adopts a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to evaluate strategies for the development of RE in Rwanda. SWOT analysis was used to identify factors affecting the energy sector in Rwanda, based on which 13 strategies were proposed. Then, ISM was adopted to establish the interrelationship and hierarchical structure between the strategies. Matrice d’Impacts Croises-Multiplication Appliquee a un Classement (MICMAC) was also applied to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies based on their driving and dependence power. The results reveal that seven independent strategies have the strongest capability to influence the whole RE sector, among which four strategies hold the most driving force: raising investment for RE, providing incentives and policy support, creating favorable conditions for private investment and strengthening institutional management. Top priority should be given to these four strategies as they are the most essential to promote the development of RE in Rwanda. This study provides insight for policy-makers and stakeholders to understand opportunities and challenges of energy sector in Rwanda and to better prioritize strategies.