Since the end of the civil war in 1987, Uganda has transformed into a politically stable country with a dynamic economy based on liberalization, decentralization and free market principles. These economic reforms have contributed to economic growth rates averaging 6% per annum in the last decade, making Uganda one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. [1] However, an electricity crisis threatens Uganda’s macroeconmic performance. Only 5% of the population has access to electricity and even that small segment continues to experience frequent power shortages due to lack of generation and an unreliable distribution system. To alleviate the energy shortage, Uganda has had to rely on thermal power in addition to hydroelectric plants, which make up 98% of their supply; however, this resulted in an increase in the price of electricity by 100% in 2006. [2]
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The objective of this project is to provide consistent power for the Hope Integrated Academy. Our power supply should be able to meet the full load for 24 hours of no utility power. If the blackout persists for more than 24 hours the load must be reduced by turning off the computers.
This report examines several power generation technologies from a technical and economical standpoint to decide which option is most feasible. The technologies considered are solar power, wind power, biogas power, bicycle generators, diesel generators, and storing grid power. Combinations of all of these technologies were also examined.
Uganda has taken concrete steps to address the electricity crisis; such as, unbundling the state-owned electricity and giving private companies the opportunity to invest in Uganda’s energy sector. The government has also pursued several short-term and medium-to-long term hydropower schemes that will enable them to meet the electricity demand in the future. For example, the Bujagali Hydropower project when commissioned in 2011 will allow Uganda to meet its electricity demand with least-cost power generation as well as relieving any residual power shortages.[2]
However, in the meantime Uganda continues to have a very high cost of electricity at SHS 426.1/kWh (24.6 cents/kWH US) compared to 8.7 cents/kWH US in Virginia. Blackouts occur several times a day and have been known to last up to 3 days.
