Let us foster renewable energy
Mar 24, 2009
The recent report by the National Environment Management Authority should convince the few remaining skeptics that global warming is a fact.
The recent report by the National Environment Management Authority should convince the few remaining skeptics that global warming is a fact.
With the growing concern for the need to address this issue, there has never been a better time for Uganda to be a part of the renewable energy industry.
The electricity sector in Uganda has been severely affected as it remains dependent on big hydro-electric dams and oil.
Even when it is now established that Uganda has viable oil deposits, it may not be economically sustainable to supply enough oil to meet the energy needs of the growing population.
Renewable energy offers government, policy makers, energy planners and donors an exciting new perspective on how to handle the energy ‘crisis’ in an environmentally sustainable manner.
In Uganda electricity production occurs in a serial mechanism that involves generation, transmission, distribution, consumption and agencies were formulated to handle every stage. On the other hand, renewable energy can easily be generated by the respective consumer.
Usually generation, transmission and distribution are done during installation of the renewable energy equipment for example installation of a solar panel for a rural secondary school.
A study by Integrated Rural Development Initiatives, shows that the use of biomass (firewood and charcoal) for domestic cooking and heating as a fuel in kitchens and houses has put the women and children lives at risk of smoke related health problems.
New research suggests that technologies such as wind and solar power could supply 40% of the world’s electricity by 2050, if given adequate financial and political support.
Therefore, getting the private sector involved is crucial when seeking to improve the energy situation in Uganda.
Companies should promote renewable energy technologies which can be a solution for our local problems such as lighting and water pumping.
The Government should show commitment in developing off-grid energy. This will promote the development of small and affordable renewable energy projects.
Overcoming these challenges will need intensive and organised research and development activities to facilitate informed energy decision-making.
With the growing concern for the need to address this issue, there has never been a better time for Uganda to be a part of the renewable energy industry.
The electricity sector in Uganda has been severely affected as it remains dependent on big hydro-electric dams and oil.
Even when it is now established that Uganda has viable oil deposits, it may not be economically sustainable to supply enough oil to meet the energy needs of the growing population.
Renewable energy offers government, policy makers, energy planners and donors an exciting new perspective on how to handle the energy ‘crisis’ in an environmentally sustainable manner.
In Uganda electricity production occurs in a serial mechanism that involves generation, transmission, distribution, consumption and agencies were formulated to handle every stage. On the other hand, renewable energy can easily be generated by the respective consumer.
Usually generation, transmission and distribution are done during installation of the renewable energy equipment for example installation of a solar panel for a rural secondary school.
A study by Integrated Rural Development Initiatives, shows that the use of biomass (firewood and charcoal) for domestic cooking and heating as a fuel in kitchens and houses has put the women and children lives at risk of smoke related health problems.
New research suggests that technologies such as wind and solar power could supply 40% of the world’s electricity by 2050, if given adequate financial and political support.
Therefore, getting the private sector involved is crucial when seeking to improve the energy situation in Uganda.
Companies should promote renewable energy technologies which can be a solution for our local problems such as lighting and water pumping.
The Government should show commitment in developing off-grid energy. This will promote the development of small and affordable renewable energy projects.
Overcoming these challenges will need intensive and organised research and development activities to facilitate informed energy decision-making.