Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that benefited from Solar Water Heaters are grateful to the Cleaner Production and Climate Innovation Centre (CPCIC) for helping them cut down the cost of biomass, reduce carbon footprint, save time and embrace sustainability practices.
Over the recent past, CPCIC has taken strides towards a greener, more sustainable future through the "Strengthening Capacities of the Environment and Natural Resources (SCENR) Sector for Green Economy Transformation program.
Through the project, companies were supported to acquire Solar Water Heaters (SWH) to replace biomass reliance while meeting the hot and warm water needs essential for many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
This was implemented with support from the Ministry of Environment, UNDP and other partners, an ambitious initiative that drives the private sector’s adoption of green technologies, focusing on SMEs Small to help them reduce their carbon footprint and embrace sustainable practices.
SMEs that acquired Solar Water Heaters were selected from those engaged in banana-based beverages production, bakery and hospitality sectors.
Such are companies that need more biomass to heat water that is used in the production process as well as in cleaning materials that they use.
After having the Solar Water Heaters installed, business has changed and business owners started realizing the positive impact and expressed the potential to effectively harness green technologies.
“The acquired solar heaters are a game changer,” Anastasie Kankwanzi, CTAGA Ltd Managing Director testifies.
Kankwanzi whose based company produces Pineapple based juice and wine received two Solar Water heaters of 600 Litters and can heat water up to 80oC during the day whenever there is enough heat from the sun.
“We have reduced the quantity of firewood we used before and we only use a third of them while the time we used to heat water reduced by 70% because we first heat water and it takes a few minutes to boil when we add juices,” she adds.
“Besides, we also use Solar Water Heaters to heat water that we use in cleaning all the materials we use here and it has improved the hygiene. For instance we used to boil water in cleaning bottles, tanks and other materials but today, we just use Solar Water to heat water and it takes a few minutes,” Kankwanzi says.
Kankwanzi shares a story with other beneficiaries who received solar water heaters thanks to CPCIC Support.
Under this initiative, thirteen SMEs across various sectors have been selected to receive Solar Water Heaters as climate change mitigation support through solar water heating technology.
Ivan Shema, the Founder of Thousand Hills Company in Ngoma District noted that the support has been a game changer as it helped them improve efficiency, quality and hygiene in the company.
“We received two sets of Solar Heaters with combined capacity of 600L, the technology works well as water the goes up between 75oC and 80 oC in a good day when it is sunny. This helps us get water hot water we use in production and in cleaning without using more charcoals; we no longer contribute to the emission of Green House Gases,” he said.
“Thanks to the use of the acquired Solar Water Heater, we have managed to save time and money we used to spend on heating water using traditional way. We are grateful for CPCIC and its partners for this support as it is really a game changer,” he added.
The adoption of SWH has already shown remarkable results. In just three months, these SMEs reported savings of over 38 million Rwandan Francs, previously spent on firewood and briquettes.
Moreover, the implementation of these technologies has significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, with an impressive 1,560.965 tonnes of CO2 emissions expected to be avoided annually.
Beyond the financial and environmental benefits, the introduction of SWHs has enhanced operational efficiency across a range of industries.
For example, SMEs involved in producing banana-based beverages, bakery products, hospitality, and cleaning activities have experienced a reduction in the time required for boiling water—a key step in many of their processes.
The solar water heaters can heat water to temperatures up to 90%, facilitating faster production times when combined with other ingredients, such as in juice making.
A Step towards Broader Green Adoption
The success of these installations is already catalyzing further green investments and solidifying the importance of green technology adoption among SMEs in Rwanda. These strategic investments align with Rwanda's broader commitment to fostering green growth and sustainable development.
According to Germaine Hirwa, CPCIC acting CEO empowering SMEs to adopt cleaner, more efficient technologies, the SCENR program is paving the way for a greener economy that supports climate resilience and sustainable practices.
“The impressive results achieved through the initial deployment of Solar Water Heaters illustrate the potential for green technology to drive economic and environmental benefits simultaneously,” she says.
“With the savings in operational costs and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, SMEs are well-positioned to play a vital role in Rwanda's transition to a green economy,” she added, expressing gratitude to CPCIC partners in the implementation of the project.