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Launch of Mini Grids project in the District of Lamwo
The German Ambassador Matthias Schauer participated in the launch of the Lamwo Minigrid Projekt
On 23.11.2021, the Mini Grids project in the district of Lamwo has been launched. This project is part of the Promotion of Mini Grids for Rural electrification pilot project which is co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the European Union and the Government of Uganda. The Minister of State for Energy Hon. Okaasai Opolot launched the project and participating were also the Minister of State for Northern Uganda Hon. Grace Kwiyucwiny, the EU Ambassador Attilio Pacifici, the Belgian Ambassador Rudi Veestraeten, the representative of Austria Dr. Roswitha Kremser, the MP Dr. Okullo Aabuka Antony, MEMD Director Eng. Cecilia Menya, the GIZ Country Director James Macbeth among many others.
The installation of the mini-grids and the low voltage distribution network has been completed in the first 6 villages in Lamwo district and installation works continue for the remaining 19 villages soon. After the installation of these 25 Mini Grids in Lamwo district, more than 2000 customers and 10,000 people will be connected to power through renewable and decentralized energy solutions.
A solar PV Mini Grid can supply adequate electricity for almost any village enterprise, even welding and milling. Using electric equipment, powered by a Mini Grid, fosters economic productivity and job opportunities. This productive use of electricity will therefore increase incomes, enhance employment creation and accelerate industrialization in rural Uganda.
Importantly, this project will support climate mitigation and adaptation in Uganda. The project will therefore, provide clean energy. It will also improves adaptive capacities of rural communities against climate change risks through improved energy efficiency by the displacement of biomass energy, and energy diversification by reducing the overreliance on hydropower.
Involved in the project are also private financiers like FMO – the Dutch Development Bank, Sun Funder, Neot Off-grid and Total Eren who have provided financing for this project. This is a good example of a public private partnership which is key to the success and sustainability of the project.
The German government remains committed to support the energy sector in Uganda in using sustainable resources.