Investing in the mini-grids system is the only solution for renewable energy promotion in Uganda, environmentalists have disclosed.

 Mini-grids produce energy for lighting, commercial and other productive uses to business, lighting and phone charging to households.

The Country Director of World Wide Fund (WWF)-Uganda, David Duli, called for a need for government to prioritize the construction of mini-grids in off-grid communities around the country and to engage private sector players to invest in renewable energy solutions to accelerate the uptake and use of these technologies.

He said WWF is promoting clean energy access and the transition to a low carbon development pathway through rural electrification using solar mini-grids.

Duli noted that the forest cover in the country has drastically reduced, and this loss is partly attributed to the unsustainable use of biomass and encroachment to the resources in search of timber as a source of income.

‘’In partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, WWF has installed seven solar mini-grid systems so far, in Kasese and Rubirizi districts with a total generation capacity of 175kW. These can potentially supply over 1,800 homes and 200 business centres,’’ said Duli.

   In addition, WWF under the same project supported by the European Union has distributed 11,200 solar home systems, a move that has increased access to solar use by the off-grid communities.

Uganda has 34 installed mini-grids that are currently serving approximately 20,000 households. This is less than 1% of the 7.3 million households in the country.

Duli further added that WWF is also implementing a Multi Actor Partnerships (MAPs) project intending to Implement NDCs with 100% Renewable Energy (RE) for all in the Global South including Uganda.