Official: Uganda wants to increase hydropower capacity by 1,600 MW

An energy official announced on Wednesday that Uganda was seeking funding to build three hydropower stations, which would increase the country's power capacity by over 1,600 Megawatts (MW).

Wamala Julius Nmusanga is a junior official in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. He said that the East African nation has identified three possible sites along the Nile River, with the largest being the 840MW Ayago Hydropower Plan.

He said that the other projects include the 400 MW Kiba project and 392MW Oriang project, which will bring Uganda's power capacity total to 3,678MW, approximately 80% higher than current production.

Namusanga said on the sidelines an industry event held in New Delhi that "the country needs energy to develop." "Each year, the demand for power increases by 10%."

We want to get started on the project as soon as possible. Namusanga stated that the Kiba Project would be the first to get underway, for which the Ministry has begun looking for consultants.

Nearly 85% of Uganda’s electricity is generated by hydropower plants, while the remainder comes from thermal and solar power plants.

Uganda launched its largest power plant last week. The 600 MW hydropower facility costing $1.7 billion was financed by a loan of $1.7 million from China.

Namusanga said that Uganda also plans to build nuclear power stations. Namusanga stated that the country was aiming to diversify its energy mix.

Uganda and China have signed an agreement under which China National Nuclear Corporation will help Uganda build its atomic energy capability for peaceful purposes. Reporting by Sethuraman N; Editing by Elias Biryabarema and Hereward Holland, Mark Potter

(source: Reuters)