The Government of Uganda has partnered with Gridworks, a subsidiary of British International Investment, to develop the Mbale-Bulambuli-Kween transmission line in eastern Uganda.
This initiative, announced on Thursday, aims to enhance the country’s renewable energy capacity and address its growing power demands, according to a report by Energy News Africa
The partnership was disclosed in a joint statement by Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, and Gridworks’ Interim CEO, Chris Flavin.
According to Nankabirwa, the development will help enhance and expand the country’s electrification lines. She added that it will also address bottlenecks in the power sector.
“This 132 kV transmission line is a critical infrastructure project that will drive industrialization and expand electrification in line with Uganda’s Third National Development Plan (NDP III) and forthcoming NDP IV.
“It will address the current bottlenecks in power evacuation on the eastern part of Uganda’s grid and contribute significantly to our socio-economic development,” Nankabirwa said.
The Mbale-Bulambuli-Kween transmission line will consist of nearly 80 kilometers of high-voltage lines and two new substations. It will enable the evacuation of up to 250 MW of renewable energy, including 100 MW from existing and planned hydropower plants and 150 MW from a new solar park near Bulambuli.
The project is Gridworks’ second Independent Power Transmission (IPT) initiative in Uganda.
On his part, Flavin noted that the project would play a vital role in the country’s energy and economic growth.
“This project will boost economic growth by helping deliver more power to industry and increasing energy access for households.
“We are delighted to demonstrate how private sector investment can contribute to the growth of Africa’s electricity networks,” Flavin added.
Addressing energy challenges
According to the World Bank, only 47% of Uganda’s population currently has access to electricity.
The Mbale-Bulambuli-Kween transmission line is expected to improve energy access, reduce power outages, and support Uganda’s renewable energy targets.
Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at British International Investment, emphasized the broader impact of the project, adding that it will make electricity affordable for the residents of the region in the nearest future.
“As one of the few dedicated Africa-focused investors in power transmission, we are proud to play a role in unlocking access to green and affordable electricity for the people of Uganda,” Chijiutomi said.
