The Rwanda Standard Board (RSB) has launched a new laboratory which it believes will be instrumental in testing the quality of electrical and electronic products to ensure energy efficiency in the country.

The targeted products are electric cables, solar panels, batteries for electric vehicles, electric motorcycles.

The first of its kind in Rwanda, the laboratory is expected to improve the standard of all related materials and reduce accidents or risks resulting from substandard materials.

The 700 million Rwf lab was launched on October 14 as Rwanda and the rest of the world celebrated World Standards Day under the theme; “Guarantee access to safe, affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy with standards ”.

Raymond Murenzi, the managing director of RSB, said this new lab will help test all energy products made in Rwanda and imported.

“This will provide verifiable evidence that products in the markets are safe, reliable, fit for purpose while preserving the health and safety of consumers and the environment,” he said.

He said the lab will boost competitiveness in national, regional and global markets.

He said it would also facilitate global trade and provide lasting solutions to technical challenges caused by some substandard products.

According to Murenzi, this will help reduce the environmental impact of energy production and facilitate the sustainable use of limited resources and improve energy efficiency.

Officials said the move was a big boost to the development of the energy sector and significantly supported the government’s efforts to promote clean, modern and affordable energy and the deployment of electricity in all the countries.,

Manufacturers of electric cables, solar panels, batteries for electric vehicles and electric motorcycles welcomed the lab saying it would help them produce product standards.

Alpha Cable Operations Manager Reuben Bagume said this lab is the solution for their company that produces electrical wires.

“As you know, all the products we manufacture require the green light from RSB and this will help us to provide good services to our customers since we have a testing lab in Rwanda,” he said.

He added that the wires were being tested outside the country.

Christian Nyirigira, Supply Chain Manager at Mobisol, said “I hope this lab will help us test the standard of our products before we deliver them to our customers and prove that we deliver the standard products”

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