Uganda has approved a 100 MW solar project with 250 MWh of battery storage in the Nwoya and Gulu districts. The project, developed by Nairobi-based Renewvia Energy, is scheduled for completion in 12 to 18 months and represents a significant step forward for Uganda’s renewable energy sector. You can read more about Uganda’s solar initiatives in this report: Uganda Solar Panel Manufacturing Report.
Uganda Solar Battery Project: A Landmark Initiative
This project is poised to become Uganda’s largest solar installation, tripling the nation’s current solar capacity of 50 MW. Notably, it will also be the first project in Uganda to incorporate co-located battery storage. The Ugandan government has emphasized the project’s significant contribution to the country’s energy mix and its role in enhancing renewable energy capacity. The 250 MWh battery storage system will address the intermittency challenges inherent in solar power, storing excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours and ensuring a consistent electricity supply even when solar generation dips. This feature is vital for maintaining grid stability and meeting Uganda’s increasing energy demands.
Grid Integration of the Uganda Solar Battery Project
The solar and battery project will be integrated into Uganda’s national grid, facilitating efficient electricity distribution throughout the country. The government has highlighted the project’s importance in advancing Uganda’s renewable energy targets and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The integration of battery storage will also allow the project to offer ancillary services to the grid, such as frequency regulation and peak shaving, further enhancing grid stability and reliability. Uganda aims to satisfy its growing energy needs through sustainable and environmentally sound solutions, and this project is a key component of the country’s vision for a green energy future.
Other Solar Projects Complementing the Uganda Solar Battery Project
Beyond this 100 MW project, Uganda’s Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has recently greenlit other solar PV projects, including a 30 MW installation in Oyam, a 20 MW facility in Masaka, and a 50 MW plant in Tororo. These initiatives underscore Uganda’s commitment to diversifying its renewable energy portfolio. The 50 MW Tororo installation, constructed by Italy’s Building Energy, was among the first large-scale solar projects in the country, developed under the World Bank’s Scaling Solar program with a secured 20-year power purchase agreement. This surge in solar energy development comes as Uganda seeks to address challenges posed by its dependence on hydropower, a source impacted by droughts and environmental fluctuations. The country is actively working to minimize its carbon footprint and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts. Meanwhile, the cancellation of the $7 billion “Solar for All” program has raised concerns about broader federal support for community solar projects. Learn more about the cancellation here.
Economic and Environmental Impact of the Uganda Solar Battery Project
The 100 MW solar and battery storage project is expected to generate jobs during its construction and maintenance phases, stimulating the local economy. It will also decrease Uganda’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, leading to lower energy costs and improved energy security. Environmentally, the project will contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based power generation with clean solar energy. The use of battery storage further amplifies the environmental benefits by minimizing the need for backup power from non-renewable sources. Uganda’s embrace of this 100 MW solar project with 250 MWh of battery storage signifies a major milestone in the nation’s transition to renewable energy. The project not only expands Uganda’s solar capacity but also introduces advanced battery storage technology, establishing a model for future renewable energy projects in the region and beyond.
