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The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) aimed at enhancing the development of mini-grids as one of the avenues for achieving universal access to clean energy by 2030.

The memorandum between the two agencies was signed at ERA House in Kampala on Tuesday

Key among the points of collaboration is that ERA with the aid of GIZ will develop a tailor-made framework that seeks to de-risk and reduce the cost of developing mini grids and distributed generation facilities in areas of high demand across the country.

“We are very cognisant that it’s not financially viable to extend the national grid to every part of the country given our settlement patterns. We believe that the low-hanging fruits in some areas are leveraging the advantages of distributed generation facilities to ensure that we deliver clean energy to our populace,” Eng. Ziria Waako, the ERA chief executive officer said on Tuesday.

Eng. Ziria Waako, the ERA CEO signs a copy of the memorandum of understanding in Kampala on Tuesday. (Photo by Benon Ojiambo)

She explained that they will be conducting periodic national cost of service study that is expected to review affordability, efficiency, smart grids and modernisation of technology

According to Waako, about 60% of Uganda’s households have access to clean energy but only 22% use the national grid. The remaining 38% uses off-grid solutions like mini-grids, rooftops, solar lanterns and home solar systems.

Waako is optimistic that the new agreement will contribute to universal access to electricity by 2030.

GIZ is one of Uganda’s development partners in the energy sector for the last 15 years.