WWF Calls for Increased Government Investment in Mini-grids

Posted on 7 December 2020

WWF Uganda has called on Government to increase investment in mini-grids. The remarks were made by the WWF Country Director David Duli who was speaking at the Power Forum, one of the activities that marked the Energy and Minerals week 2020.

“The market currently draws it’s funding from the donors and Governments. However only 6% of funds allocated to Rural Electrification Agency is for off-grid technologies. The Government should increase budgeting for off-grid solutions and foster public – private sector partnerships to attract private sector financing”, he said while speaking at the televised forum.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Hon. Maria Goretti Kitutu while at the event noted that Government was seriously taking the International Energy Agency (IEA) report 2011 which estimated that 30% of the World’s Population without access to electricity are best served by extending the main grid.

“The Ministry is now going to focus on off-grid Renewable Energy solutions to speed up and enhance Uganda’s goal of achieving universal clean energy access” she said.

She added that the Ministry is working towards a simplified licensing process that limits the amount of information required to acquire a license.

“We are also going to put in place clear regulatory provisions to protect private sector investment on the arrival of the main grid in the community”, she noted.

WWF is currently constructing 6 solar powered mini grids with capacity of more than with a total capacity of 170.625kW in six villages of Kasese and Rubirizi Districts to supply power to 900 households and 205 small businesses.

The mini grids will produce energy for lighting, commercial and other productive uses to business and mainly lighting and phone charging to households.

This will create new opportunities for livelihood improvement through productive use of electricity, will serve to create at least 400 new jobs, and will contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth in these rural communities.

The Power forum was attended by stakeholders including Power Generators, Distributors, Regulators, Development partners and Government Agencies.

Kasenyi landing site mini grid- one of the six mini grids WWF is constructing with funding from EU in Kasese and Rubirizi