Uganda: Integrated energy approach to create energy for all
A newly launched Utilities 2.0 Twaake pilot project unites distributed renewable energy companies in Uganda to provide clean power for all.
Image source: ESI Africa
Uganda, Kampala: A newly launched Utilities 2.0 Twaake pilot project unites distributed renewable energy companies in Uganda to provide clean power for all.
Led by Uganda’s largest power utility Umeme, coordinated by Power for All and funded by The Rockefeller Foundation, the Utilities 2.0 Twaake pilot project relies on an integrated energy approach.
Kristina Skierka, Power for All CEO, said: “Neither centralised nor decentralised energy can end energy poverty alone. However, through partnership and leveraging comparative strengths, traditional utilities and innovative DRE companies can create a new frontier in the fight to end energy poverty.”
Only 28 % of Uganda’s population can access electricity via the national grid. According to the World Bank it would take more than 10 million customers for Uganda to achieve universal electricity access. Since the average grid extension connection costs $1,400, if grid extension is the only method of service provision, the required investment would be in the range of $7 B. This would be nearly 20 % of Uganda’s current annual GDP.
The Utilities 2.0 Twaake pilot is designed to at least halve this cost by relying on integrated energy. This combines centralised and decentralised technology including solar home systems, minigrids, grid and smart grid systems. All are combined into an intelligent and interactive energy network that can deliver customer-centric, clean energy solutions to end energy poverty at the lowest cost, transforming billions of lives faster than isolated approaches.
According to recent studies by Duke University and Power for All, connection costs can be reduced by half through reducing upfront capital costs by leveraging a utility’s ability to access cheaper capital while increasing the value of the customers through productive use applications which drive energy demand.
Through this integration, electricity customers in Uganda will derive more benefit for each kilowatt of energy consumed. This will create more opportunities for business, education, health, safety and overall quality of life.
Source: ESI Africa