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PADER - Government will save over sh116 billion annually following the commissioning of a 132kV Gulu-Agago Transmission Project.

The state minister for Energy Okasaai Opolot on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, commissioned the 132kV Gulu-Agago Transmission Project at the Agago Substation in Pader District.

This line was completed and energised on November 18, 2023, and evacuated power from Achwa 83MW HPP.

“This newly commissioned Gulu-Agago transmission line supports the energy policy 2023 and the Energy Development Programme of the NDP, Phase–III to ensure the power generated is evacuated and consumed, the minister said.

He said commissioning of this line will save the Government of Uganda deemed energy costs worth $2.5 million per month translating to sh116 billion annually and will directly benefit the people of Northern Uganda by ensuring the supply of reliable and stable power.

The project was financed through a loan of EUR 40 million from KfW Development Bank. The amount covered the cost of the transmission line and associated substations.

“This newly commissioned Gulu-Agago transmission line supports the energy policy 2023 and the Energy Development Programme of the NDP, Phase–III to ensure the power generated is evacuated and consumed, the minister said.

The government of Uganda financed the supervision, land acquisition, and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) Implementation costs.

This comes as East African Community (EAC) Partner States have reaffirmed their commitment to enhance energy efficiency and exploit wind, solar, and geothermal energy as sustainable energy sources for the region.

Partner States have subsequently embarked on various initiatives in an effort to tap into the potential of renewable energy and energy conservation, such as review of national renewable energy laws, implementation of energy management regulations, national strategies and standards for energy efficiency and renewable energy, and promotion of energy efficiency and conservation.

During the Ministerial Session of the 16th Sectoral Council of Energy that was held at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, Partner States reported that investments in wind and solar energy infrastructure were also underway, from Burundi's solar mini-grids to Kenya's wind and solar projects, all aimed at increasing renewable energy contributions to the national grid.

Similarly, Rwanda and Tanzania reported increased investment in solar energy projects, while Uganda reported that she is focusing on solar energy deployment for rural electrification.