Uganda unveils ambitious Geothermal energy plan to boost electricity supply

The Ugandan government has unveiled plans to harness geothermal energy from four selected sites, out of 27 potential locations, to boost the country’s electricity supply. This initiative aims to support industrialization, agriculture, tourism, and other sectors by providing a reliable source of power for economic growth.

“In 10 years, we shall not be talking of Hydropower potentials. Before the end of five years, we shall have power plants,” said Godfrey Bahati, Commissioner of Geothermal Resources at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. He added that the Kibiro site in Hoima district will be developed first for electricity production, with Buranga in Bundibugyo district, Katwe in Kasese district, and Payemoru in Packwach district also ready for drilling.

The government’s goal is to diversify power production sources, complementing hydropower with geothermal energy. “Geothermal energy is environmentally friendly, can be produced on-site, and can be generated incrementally, unlike hydropower which requires a dam,” Bahati explained. This move is expected to generate an additional 1,500 megawatts, meeting future power demands and reducing reliance on hydropower.

Local communities in Hoima and Bundibugyo districts are eagerly awaiting the project’s commencement, anticipating access to affordable power to boost their businesses. “This is good news for us. If the government goes ahead with power generation, our area will be connected. Having power will ease our methods of extracting and purifying salt,” said Judith Katusabe, a salt miner in Kibiro village.

Prof. Stanislaw Wolkowicz, leading a team of 15 geoscientists from 15 African countries organized by PanAfGeo, was at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in Hoima City, Uganda, to explore the potential of geothermal energy in the region. “Geothermal energy, once its production starts, is friendly to the environment. We want our people to understand how to utilize geothermal energy, measure site temperatures, and evaluate these resources. All participants will have many valuable insights to take home from Uganda,” he said during the workshop on geothermal energy development.

The government’s promotion of renewable energy sources like geothermal energy aligns with its commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and hydropower. Geothermal energy has various applications, including heating, agriculture, and tourism development.