Kigali Circuit to Be Powered Entirely by Renewable Energy

Race organisers have confirmed that the Kigali Grand Prix circuit complex will operate entirely on renewable energy, making it the first Formula One venue to achieve 100% renewable power for all race weekend operations. The commitment covers the grandstands, pit lane, paddock, media centre, hospitality suites, and all temporary infrastructure associated with the event.

The energy supply will be drawn from Rwanda's national grid, which is already 90% powered by renewable sources — primarily hydroelectric generation from the Rusumo Falls and Nyabarongo River schemes, supplemented by an expanding network of solar installations. A dedicated 40-megawatt solar array, currently under construction on the outskirts of Kigali, will provide additional capacity specifically allocated to the Grand Prix.

"Rwanda has been a leader in renewable energy for years, and it is entirely fitting that our Grand Prix should reflect that," said KigaliF1 sustainability director Dr Immaculée Mukamana. "We are not offsetting our energy use — we are genuinely running on clean power. That is a first for Formula One, and we hope it sets a standard for the sport going forward."

The sustainability commitment extends beyond energy. The event has adopted a zero single-use plastic policy, with all food and beverage packaging required to be compostable or reusable. A circuit-wide water recycling system will capture and treat rainwater for use in cleaning and irrigation, reducing mains water consumption by an estimated 60% compared to a conventional Grand Prix.

Formula One Management has recognised the Kigali Grand Prix's sustainability framework as a model for the sport's broader net-zero ambitions. FOM's sustainability director has confirmed that several elements of the Kigali approach will be incorporated into the updated Formula One Sustainability Framework, which is due to be published in early 2030.