New solar energy power plants coming to Uganda

Solar energy plants to be built by Ergon Solair

Uganda is set to be home to four new solar energy plants that will be developed by Ergon Solair and Martifer Solar. The new power plants have been commissioned by the Ugandan Development Corporation and will help the country break away from fossil-fuels and energy purchased from other countries. The solar energy power plants are expected to have a significant economic impact on several communities throughout the country, many of which are under intense financial pressure due to the prices associated with energy.

Plants represent 500MW of combined capacity

The four solar power plants will have a combined energy capacity of 500 megawatts. Ergon Solair expects that solar energy could help several communities throughout Uganda save anywhere from 30% to 50% on their energy bills. Solar energy is often touted for its economic potential and, as such, has become an attractive option for countries in need of economic stability. Like other African nations, Uganda has fallen victim to many of the global economic problems that have emerged in recent years.

Plants likely to be completed by 2016

Construction on the new power plants is expected to begin at some point in 2014. The power plants are not likely to be completed until October of 2016, at the earliest. The electricity produced by the solar energy power plants will be obtained by the Ugandan government through a power purchase agreement with Ergon Solair. After this energy has been purchased, it will be fed into the country's energy grid, where it can be used to power homes and businesses alike.

Rural communities may benefit from solar energy

Ergon Solair will also be working to develop competitively priced solar energy systems designed specifically for rural communities. These communities do not tend to have reliable access to the country's energy grid and are often struck by power outages. Solar energy could provide these communities with the electrical power they need without having to make drastic changes to the Ugandan energy grid.