In 2022, Uganda's electricity consumption showcased a heavy reliance on low-carbon energy sources. The country generated a total of 5.6 TWh of low-carbon electricity, with the vast bulk coming from hydropower, which produced about 5 TWh. Fossil energy sources contributed close to none to the electricity generation, which is a positive sign for Uganda's commitment to clean energy. However, the per capita electricity consumption of 122 kWh is significantly lower than the global average of 3649 kWh per person. This considerable gap highlights the potential challenges Uganda faces, such as limited industrialization and economic development, restricted access to modern amenities and technologies, and a higher vulnerability to energy shortages, all of which can impede societal progress.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources โ
Is Electricity Growing in Uganda?
Electricity consumption in Uganda is indeed on an upward trajectory. In 2022, the per capita electricity consumption rose to 122 kWh from 115 kWh in 2021, marking a 7 kWh increase. This growth is paralleled by an increase in low-carbon electricity generation, with per capita generation climbing from 112 kWh in 2021 to 118 kWh in 2022, representing a 6 kWh improvement. This positive trend demonstrates Uganda's commitment to expanding their electricity supply, particularly through environmentally-friendly means. Such growth is encouraging, bringing hope for better access to electricity and prompting a brighter economic outlook for the nation. It is vital, though, to continue bolstering this growth to ensure substantial improvements in people's quality of life and to foster sustainable industrial development.
Suggestions
To further increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Uganda can learn from successful international practices. Drawing inspiration from nations like China, which produced an impressive over 1100 TWh from both solar and wind energy, Uganda can invest more heavily in solar and wind infrastructure. Nuclear energy is also a critical component for many developed nations like the United States and France, generating substantial amounts of clean electricity at 778 TWh and 371 TWh respectively. For regions with similar economic and developmental profiles, effective solar implementations seen in India (153 TWh) might serve as practical models for Uganda to emulate. Expanding solar and potentially nuclear infrastructure not only promises to increase electricity supply but also to aid in combating climate change and enhancing energy security.
History
Uganda's history with low-carbon electricity, particularly hydropower, provides a firm foundation for future growth. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Uganda saw a general increase in hydropower generation, with notable upticks of 0.2 TWh in 1992 and 0.3 TWh in 2000, despite experiencing some fluctuations in subsequent years. The early 2000s experienced minor setbacks, but from 2012 onwards, there was a steady increase in hydropower production, with consecutive positive changes including a substantial 0.9 TWh increase in 2012. The country also saw modest contributions from biofuels beginning around 2015. Although biofuels have played a minor role, this sustained growth trend in clean energy sources sets a promising trajectory for Uganda, positioning it well for further advancements in sustainable electricity generation.
