Experts in the energy industry have analysed critical strategies aimed at facilitating the transition and advancement of renewable energy sources in Uganda.

According to the experts, the potential of renewable energy is now significant for both cheap and sustainable energy, and what is needed is good policies and infrastructure as countries are starting to decarbonise the energy sector.

Dr Victoria Nalule, the CEO of Nalule Energy and Minerals Consultants, advises that poor countries should not become poorer because of the energy transition initiatives, arguing that finances from the petroleum sector can be used to finance renewable energy projects.

Dr Victoria Nalule, the CEO of Nalule Energy and Minerals Consultants said for countries to achieve transition, there must be policies that incentivise renewable energy deployment and discourage new fossil fuel development.

While discussing the topic of energy transition and the future of the African energy sector, she said for countries to achieve transition, there must be policies that incentivise renewable energy deployment and discourage new fossil fuel development.

“Electricity supply strategies that prioritise the diversity of resources such as dispatchable renewables and storage negate the need for fossil fuels.

“It also ensures supply security and policies that support decentralised renewable energy systems enable 100% access to affordable electricity,” she said.

Speaking during the oil for development training workshop held at Lake Victoria Granada Hotel in Entebbe last week, Nalule said energy transitions are characterised by the deployment of renewable energy and energy effi ciency technologies.

Among the minerals that are considered to be critical are metals and semi-metals used in the manufacture of wind turbines, electric cars, solar panels and other high-tech applications which are crucial for shifting to a low-carbon economy.

 She said although there are various opportunities for the energy transition, there are also energy transition risks such as legal, financial, social and political risks that must be addressed.

“Uganda faces challenges related to affordability due to the comparative abundance of resources and infrastructure in many other countries within the energy sector. The process of energy transition carries substantial risks, as evidenced by the numerous protests that have occurred,” Nalule said.

She added that the incorporation of inventive financial mechanisms is imperative for the flourishing of decentralised solutions in future grid expansion.

Nalule believes the mechanisms should create an environment that appeals to private investors within the energy sector while simultaneously enhancing human capacity through the empowerment of local entrepreneurs.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) executive director, Barirega Akankwasah, told New Vision that the Government has many plans for renewables after approving a number hydropower projects, which will make the energy transition easy.

“We have been promoting and approving hydropower for development and there are big projects coming up for solar projects. The fossil fuels do not threaten our environment. We have been doing reviews and the environment damage is low,” he said.

Akankwasah said Uganda is transiting well and following the Dubai Fine Heights module to empower sustainable resources. Being an oil-rich country located in the eastern part of the Arabian Gulf, renewable energy technologies adopted by the United Arab Emirates are considered among the best in the world.

Recently, energy minister Ruth Nankabirwa pledged that the Government will respect the national and international commitments to which Uganda is party, including commitments made under the Paris Climate Change Agreement to address climate change.

She made the remarks during an event organised by World Wide Fund for Nature Uganda and Germany at the COP27 in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt.

The minister said in line with aspirations under the Sustainable Development Goals and the Sustainable Energy for All initiative, Uganda is now investing more in other energy sources, especially off-grid solar.