Minister opens energy exhibition

By John Odyek

Peter Lokeris, state minister for energy and mineral development has officially opened the energy week.

Lokeris flagged off a march from Amber House, Kampala, the head office of the energy ministry.

The march which consisted of stakeholders from the energy sector was accompanied by the Police band and proceeded to the UMA Showgrounds, Lugogo.

Lokeris said with plenty of sunshine in Uganda, solar power has emerged as the market's most viable option. He said the solar penetration rate was now at 27% but needs to be increased.
 

New innovation energy saving stoves for charcoal on display during the launch of the energy exhibition week at Uganda Manufacturers Association on 15/9/2015. PHOTO BY JULIET KASIRYE

He also opened an energy exhibition at the show grounds where over 100 exhibitors are showcasing different products for clean energy and energy efficiency technologies over one week.

"Uganda has a vision to meet the energy needs of every Ugandan in an environmentally sustainable way. Only 17% of the population has access to electricity and the traditional models of grid alone cannot make us reach our targets. More people can access energy through the renewable energy sources," Lokeris said.

The minister also launched the Clean Start Programme, a programme funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund.

The fund targets to support 40,000 low income earners to stop using flames for light and shift to clean energy.

New innovation energy saving stoves for charcoal on display during the launch of the energy exhibition week at Uganda Manufacturers Association on 15/9/2015. PHOTO BY JULIET KASIRYE

Selected financial institutions will be given grants to support solar companies, biomass companies to provide renewable solutions to low income earners.

The minister said the UN would invest US$1.3m (sh4.4b) to support low income earners buy clean energy technologies and efficient cooking technologies. He said with private and public support the funding could reach up to US$20m (sh74b).

Michelle Iseminger, head of office, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda said the big power infrastructure projects while transformative will take time to complete but in the mean- time people can use solar lights and efficient cooking solutions.

Edith Achedo, UltraTec Uganda Ltd said they were exhibiting affordable solar panels, inverters and batteries to use in a system for lighting houses, powering appliances such as radios and TVs.

Daniel Okello, production manager, Bow Briquettes said they make briquettes out of agricultural wastes such as maize cobs, husks, stocks. Okello said one kologramme can prepar two meals. "Briquettes cook fast, they burn for hours. You don't have to add a lot like charcoal. They are easy to pack," Okello said.

Isaiah Oonyu, project coordinator aot Consulting said they do energy audits for companies.

"We determine ways to reduce energy consumption per unit of product output or to lower operating costs.  Energy audit provides a reference in the organisation and a basis for planning more effective use of energy," Oonyu said.