Solar energy adds 50MW to grid

SOLAR | NUCLEAR | ENERGY 

Uganda's solar energy grid has expanded to 50MW as the government seeks to promote and invest more renewable energy sources.

The state minister for energy, Simon D'Ujanga says the government will invest more in cleaner energy sources to expand access to underserved areas while promoting green growth.

During his presentation of the energy ministry's performance against the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto targets on Monday, the minister said solar grid systems were expanding countrywide.

"Solar water heaters have been installed in various health units across the country. Solar fruit driers: Solar crop drying technology for post-harvest management of high perishable fruits is being piloted in Kangulumira, Kayunga district," he explained.

According to the minister, the Government is also constructing a commercial hybrid solar/bio thermal fruit drier at Katwe village, Kikyusa Sub County in Luweero district.

Solar and wind hybrid system is currently operating and supplying power to the communities of Kacheri in Kotido district, Lokopo community in Napak district, and Lufudu landing site in Namayingo district.

The systems are supplying power to households, health centers, and schools, helping expand access to electricity to underserved areas.

Eng Waako Tibalwa, the chief executive officer of the Electricity Regulatory Authority said 40 more solar mini-grids were being set up in northern Uganda and 25 others in Rakai district.


Nuclear energy

According to D'Ujanga, the Government is also promoting the use of nuclear energy for peaceful uses in electricity, cancer management, food safety assessment, tsetse fly control, agriculture, and industries.

The ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian State Atomic Energy Cooperation on Peaceful uses of Atomic Energy on June 19, 2017.

The agreement covers nuclear power infrastructure, education, and training, radiation safety, non-power application of atomic energy, nuclear research centers, and the design and construction of power plants.

In May 2018, the ministry also signed an MoU with China National Nuclear Corporation on nuclear energy development in Beijing, China.

Preparations are underway for the establishment of a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology at one of the public Universities in Uganda for nuclear training, research, and development.

The feasibility studies for the proposed projects are to be conducted with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency and institutions in China, Russia, and other development partners.

Energy is one of the key sectors envisaged to drive Uganda's development. The sector pledged to increase power generation capacity to drive economic development and lower the cost of electricity produced.

Other targets include expanding the electricity transmission grid network, increasing access to modern energy services, and increasing energy efficiency.