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Hydropower debris control in Rwanda
Published on 10 Jun ‘25
Case Study: Debris Control Transforms Hydropower in Rwanda
Debris control in Rwanda

Floating debris is a serious issue for hydropower plants across Africa. Logs, branches and vegetation can obstruct intake structures. They can also damage infrastructure and force costly shutdowns for maintenance. A major hydropower facility in Rwanda faced this situation. Seasonal floods brought significant volumes of debris downstream. To address this, the client needed a reliable debris control solution in Rwanda that would protect the plant’s intake area. They also needed to ensure uninterrupted power generation.

One of the goals was to reduce manual intervention and lower operational costs. It was also important to extend equipment lifespan through effective hydropower debris management.

The solution: Installing a custom-engineered floating debris control barrier

We developed a custom-engineered Bolina Log Screen Boom to address the site’s specific environmental and operational conditions. Our team designed a floating barrier system tailored to the river’s flow dynamics and debris load. In addition, the system was also customised to match the site’s existing infrastructure layout.

Key design considerations included:

1. Buoyancy and anchoring strength to handle seasonal fluctuations in river flow.
2. Debris deflection performance suited to the type and volume of floating material observed at the site.
3. Ease of access for maintenance teams, integrated into the barrier design.

The system was fabricated using high-strength components built for durability and minimal maintenance. It ensures long-term hydropower debris protection even in challenging river conditions.

The outcome: Increased efficiency and regional impact

As a result, following the installation of the custom-engineered floating barrier system, the hydropower plant experienced a marked improvement in operational efficiency. The volume of debris reaching the intake area was drastically reduced, which minimised the risk of blockages. It also significantly decreased the need for manual intervention. This allowed plant operators to focus on core maintenance tasks. They can finally work without constant disruption from floating debris removal.

The success of the system has not gone unnoticed. The client expressed strong satisfaction with the performance of the barrier. They praised the tailored engineering approach behind it as well. Based on these results, the solution has been recommended to other hydropower operators across Africa. This reinforces its value as a practical and scalable approach to hydropower debris control.

Conclusion: Tailored solutions for resilient hydropower

This debris control project in Rwanda highlights the importance of site-specific engineering in solving environmental challenges. Off-the-shelf products often fail to meet the unique demands of complex hydropower environments. In a sector where small disruptions can have major consequences, customised debris control systems play a vital role. They protect valuable hydropower assets from damage and downtime.

For energy providers seeking to reduce maintenance costs and increase operational stability, a purpose-built floating debris boom is a proven solution. This is especially effective when tailored to local conditions.

Looking for a debris control solution designed for your site?
Contact us to learn how our custom-engineered barriers can protect your hydropower facility and local waterways from plastic pollution and floating debris.

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