Electricity in Uganda in 2022
In 2022, Uganda generated around 5.6 TWh of low-carbon electricity, with the significant majority coming from hydropower, which contributed approximately 5 TWh. This indicates that hydropower is the dominant source of electricity in the country, as alternative low-carbon sources form a very small portion of the total generation. Unfortunately, given that Uganda's electricity consumption per capita is significantly below the global average of 3813 watts per person, this situation can lead to limited access to electricity for its citizens. Low levels of electricity generation can impact economic development, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life, highlighting the critical need to expand electricity access across the country.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Uganda could look to global examples of successful implementations of wind, solar, and nuclear energy. The People's Republic of China has set an exemplary model with impressive wind and solar capacities, generating 992 TWh from wind and 834 TWh from solar energy. Similarly, India demonstrates an effective solar capacity at 134 TWh, which indicates potential practices Uganda could emulate given the similarities in developmental challenges. Emphasizing sustainable energy policies, investing in technology transfer, and building infrastructure tailored to harness solar and wind energy could significantly bolster Uganda’s electricity supply, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a cleaner energy profile.
History
Uganda's history with low-carbon electricity has been predominantly shaped by hydropower, with incremental increases noted over the years. Beginning in 1992, hydropower generation saw a gradual rise over two decades with modest increases, interspersed with minor setbacks like the significant decline in 2006. After a period of stagnation, notable growth resumed from 2012 onwards, marked by consistent yearly increments, reflecting dedicated efforts to bolster hydroelectric capacity. Biofuels made a minor entry in 2015, reflecting diversification efforts. By 2022, electricity generation from hydro saw continued incremental growth, pointing towards the steady development of Uganda's hydropower capacity. Overall, Uganda's commitment to expanding clean electricity sources aligns with a global trend toward sustainable energy solutions.