What type of energy is used in Uganda?

CC BY 4.0. In Uganda, as in most countries in the region, the use of biomass such as firewood fuel (especially in rural areas) and charcoal (especially in urban areas) is predominant in the energy mix, mainly due to the extremely low access to modern energy cooking technology.

What is energy access in Uganda?

The Uganda Energy Policy (2023) defines energy access according to the Multi-Tier Framework as the ability to obtain energy that is adequate, available when needed, reliable, of good quality, affordable, formal, convenient, healthy and safe for all required energy applications.

How much electricity does Uganda use?

While electricity represents only around 2% of Uganda’s total energy consumption, over 80% of generating capacity is based on hydropower. Most of the remainder is also renewable, including several solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and thermal power plants that burn sugar cane bagasse.

Is building energy a problem in Uganda?

Heavy reliance on biomass, particularly for cooking, is a common feature of the entire Horn of Africa region, with significant implications for energy intensity in the buildings sector. The buildings sector in Uganda is largely unregulated: only 22% of buildings in Uganda reportedly have construction or building permits (GBCUG, 2023).

What is a stand-alone solar system in Uganda?

In Uganda, stand-alone solar systems are primarily used by the rural population, but are also sometimes used to address energy gaps in urban settlements or as a backup or complement to grid connections (GOGLA, 2022). IEA. CC BY 4.0. Note: Wp = watt-peak Sources: Left: IEA (2023), Right: IEA based on data from GOGLA (2018-22).

How can Uganda achieve its energy goals?

Notably, Uganda already has in place much of the technical expertise, government institutions and policy frameworks to reach its energy goals. It is also a leader in the region on high-quality energy statistics, which are crucial for evidence-based policy making.