The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), in collaboration with Exhibitions & Trade Services India Limited (ETSIPL) and the Uganda National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Alliance (UNREEEA), is excited to announce the second edition of the Power and Electricity Uganda International Expo 2024.
While addressing journalists at the Media Centre on Thursday, State Minister of Energy, Okasaai Opoot revealed that the event is scheduled to take place from July 11th to 13th, 2024, at the UMA Show Grounds in Lugogo, Kampala, Uganda.
Organized under the theme “Connect with the Power, Energy, Electrical, Electronics, Lighting, Renewable and Solar and Related Industries in Uganda,” the Power and Electricity International Expo 2024 aims to promote innovative technologies, raise awareness, and foster sustainable collaborations in the power sector.
“The Expo will bring together stakeholders ranging from policymakers and regulators to manufacturers and suppliers of power products, as well as importers and exporters dealing in electrical, electronic, renewable, and solar products, and other renewable energy technologies,” stated Minister Okasaai.
“We anticipate the expo will provide networking, partnership, and business opportunities in Uganda’s power sector with global players from India, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and other regions. These partnerships will foster technology transfer and strengthen our financial capabilities,” Opoot added.
A highlight of the event is the “Power and Electricity Forum 2024,” a one-day conference on July 12th, themed “The Evolving Power Sector Landscape.” This forum will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, presentations from selected companies, an exhibition tour, and a matchmaking session.
“As part of the Energy Transition Plan, electricity will play a central role in shaping our energy mix, aiming for a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy in line with the Paris Agreement and Uganda’s Nationally Determined Contribution. The government supports industrialists in improving energy efficiency through energy audits, aiming to phase out obsolete technologies. We are also keen on promoting electric mobility and developing a strategy and master plan for electric vehicle charging infrastructure,” the Minister explained.
He added that to promote the adoption of cleaner and more efficient transport technologies, the Ministry has embarked on the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. A charging station for electric vehicles has been installed at the Ministry headquarters. Additionally, a regulatory framework for setting up electric vehicle charging stations is being developed.
“Under the NRM Manifesto 2021-2026, the Government planned to implement a 10% bioethanol blending program and policy by the second year. A comprehensive legal framework for the production, storage, transportation of biofuels, and blending of biofuels with fossil fuels is now in place. This includes the gazetting of the Licensing Authority and the finalization of the draft Licensing Guidelines,” he said.
The minister explained that the Ministry has established two operational committees to support the development of a sustainable and successful biofuels program: The National Biofuels Committee (NBC), composed of private sector oil companies (OMCs) and biofuel producers, and relevant MDAs to provide strategic guidance to the biofuels industry and blending program.
The Internal Technical Committee (ITC), composed of technical staff from PSD, SPPAD, Communications Division, and RED, to ensure effective coordination and teamwork within the Ministry. Licensing Office: A Licensing Officer (Commissioner, Renewable Energy) has been gazetted, and a Licensing Office has been created to support the physical and functional process for licensing.
Additionally, the government is promoting nuclear energy. “Preparatory activities for the 8,400MWe Nuclear Power Plant in Buyende District are ongoing, and a Nuclear Training Program is being set up at Soroti University,” he said.
It is also important to note that the current tariff adjustments reduce the cost by 1.5%. The adjustments for domestic customers are Ush 803.0/kWh, commercial customers are Ush 606.2/kWh, medium industrial customers are Ush 452.1/kWh, large industrial customers are Ush 383.4/kWh, extra-large industrial customers are Ush 324.5/kWh, and street lighting is Ush 370.0/kWh.
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