The Ugandan government is working to ensure that all Ugandan residents have access to electricity, including those living in remote areas, an official from the energy ministry has stated.
The commissioner for renewable energy resources at the ministry of energy, John Tumuhimbise, said that government has set up a renewable energy policy framework, which sets policies for increasing the uptake of renewable energy in the country, the Monitor reported.
Media reported that the end goal of this policy is to make renewable energy an alternative for energy sources.
“We have a standardised power purchase agreement for renewable energy projects of up to 20MW to reduce the transactional costs involved in small projects,” Tumuhimbise explained.
ALSO READ: Greenlight Planet’s Sun King solar launches first Ugandan store in Mbarara
According to media, government is also supporting the association of renewable energy providers to scale up their work.
This move will address major challenges in the market such as the poor quality of products and build technological capacity, media reported.
Reliable off-grid electricity
It is reported that Village Power is one of the providers that provides affordable, sustainable and reliable electricity to off-grid areas. In addition, this firm will facilitate access to clean light, safe water, among other services.
Tumuhimbise highlighted that the energy company’s work in Uganda is in line with the ministry’s goals, vision, mission and larger mandate.
“Village Power’s work in Uganda has helped thousands of people live better lives economically and socially,” he said.
Another alternative power project was announced two weeks ago, when the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a $1 million grant to support Earth Energy Limited for the development of a 20MW biomass power plant in the country.
AfDB resident representative in Uganda, Jeremiah Mutonga, said: “Promoting renewables means providing secure and clean energy supply while supporting economic growth and economic development at large without destroying the environment like deforestation which is causing rapid climatic change being experienced at the moment in Uganda.”
ENSI
