Uganda Reveals 2065 Energy Transition for Universal Access and Net-Zero Emissions

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Summary:

• Uganda’s Ministry of Energy introduces an ambitious Energy Transition Plan, in collaboration with the International Energy Agency, aiming for universal energy access by 2030, peak emissions by 2040, and net-zero emissions from the energy sector by 2065, with a focus on significant clean energy investments and partnerships for economic growth and job creation.

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Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has unveiled a comprehensive strategy for the nation’s energy sector, outlining a resilient roadmap to achieve economic growth and development goals in a secure, cost-effective, and sustainable manner.

Presented at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, the Energy Transition Plan charts an ambitious yet attainable course towards universal energy access by the decade’s end and a peak in emissions by 2040. Developed with assistance from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the plan demonstrates that its implementation could enable Uganda to fulfill its commitments to the Paris Agreement by 2030, positioning the country to achieve net-zero emissions from its energy sector by 2065. This lays the groundwork for Uganda to set a comprehensive climate neutrality target around the same timeframe.

To attain net-zero emissions by 2065, an annual investment of USD 8 billion in clean energy in Uganda is necessary by the decade’s close, with nearly 90% of this funding allocated to projects focused on enhancing energy access and expanding clean energy capacity, as per the analysis.

“This Energy Transition Plan signifies a significant stride in our endeavor to provide secure, affordable, and sustainable energy for every individual in Uganda. The plan illustrates how Uganda’s considerable energy advantages can be responsibly harnessed to achieve broader governmental objectives,” Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development told The Black Examiner

Central to the plan, which builds upon Uganda’s existing energy policies, is the expansion of low-emission electricity nationwide. With Uganda’s grid already 99% powered by renewables, the roadmap foresees a 14% annual growth in electricity generation, maintaining the predominant share of low-emission energy sources in the overall electricity mix.

Solar power emerges as the primary source of low-cost generation, leveraging Uganda’s superior solar resources compared to global leaders like Spain. Meanwhile, hydro and geothermal resources are projected to account for over one-quarter of generation by 2050, complemented by the introduction of nuclear power facilities in the early 2030s.

While the path to achieving universal energy access by 2030 is challenging, the analysis suggests it is not unprecedented. To meet this goal, 800,000 households need to gain electricity connections annually. Uganda aims to deploy over 1 million cleaner cooking stoves each year this decade to achieve universal access to cleaner cooking by 2030, a feat achieved by countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Bangladesh, and India in the past decade.

Uganda’s abundant domestic resources, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, play a vital role in its energy transition. With oil production slated to commence in 2025, the country is also exploring graphite and rare earths projects, emphasizing sustainable harnessing of critical minerals to support its energy transition and foster economic growth.

The analysis underscores the importance of robust partnerships and emphasizes a significant role for the private sector, which could substantially increase its investments in Uganda’s electricity system. Successful implementation of these investments would not only transform Uganda’s energy sector but also contribute to the creation of 220,000 new, high-quality jobs in the energy sector by 2030.