Introduction of solar energy in Uganda

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1 Introduction of solar energy in Uganda - a working method JEEP Folkecenter, Joint Energy and Environment Projects, Uganda Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable Energy, Denmark

2 Solar energy in Uganda - Solar energy in Uganda - Solar energy The idea arose because the need was present. The parties met and solar energy was presented to decision makers. Trial sites were selected and Mali Folkecenter contributed with experience. The application phase began and the plans matured while frustrations flourished. Uganda Folkecenter became a teaching place and a solar energy demonstration centre which no longer had to pay for electricity and got energy for computer, refrigerator, charging the phones, lights - not least security lights outside in the dark hours. 2

The application phase began and the plans matured while frustrations flourished.

3 in Uganda - Solar energy in Uganda - Solar energy in Uganda Installations were completed in Arua, Luwero and Tororo. There was monitoring, troubleshooting, multiple installations and continued training in savings and microfinance in the villages. 3

There was monitoring, troubleshooting, multiple installations

4 Solar energy in Uganda - Solar energy in Uganda - Solar energy It was an era of new partners, participation in Energy Shows and settlement of a solar energy conference. 4

5 in Uganda - Solar energy in Uganda - Solar energy in Uganda A refresher course was carried out for the staff of JEEP Folkecenter and the electricians with experience and new knowledge. The plan for the future is to make the JEEP Folkecenter sustainable and let the accumulated knowledge benefit most. The two Folkecenters are working together on project funding for the dissemination of solar and other sustainable methods, so the people of the rural areas get electricity for health, education, security and business. JEEP Folkecenter s motto: a safe environment, a sure future, can be fulfilled due to the solar installations. 5

The two Folkecenters are working together on project funding for the dissemination of solar and other sustainable methods, so the people of the rural areas

6 Solar energy in Uganda - Solar energy in Uganda - Solar energy ARUA Installations Light in two class rooms, phone charging system, light and refrigeration in a health centre. 1 panel at 85 Watt and 2 panels at 55 Watt from Titan and Solar World. Cost: 40,000 DKK Facts The health clinic has 1 panel at 85 Watt for a refrigerator from Steca, Germany and a light. Over the last 16 months, 21,082 people in Ajia Sub County have been immunised against polio, tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis, 74% of these have been children under 5 years. The refrigerator has also been used to store vaccines for two other health centres i.e. Ayavu and Alijoda. This has also meant reduction in transport costs incurred in daily collection of drugs from the main hospital and the amount of vaccines getting damaged due to lack of cooling facilities. The school has set up 1 panel at 55 Watt and has been able to eliminate the expenses incurred to buy fuel for the generator. This amount totals up to 370,000 Uganda Shillings, UGX which was being used every school term. 1 = 3,000 UGX ( ). The installation also aids in practical lessons about electricity for students. Solar installation sites have become important information centers for people who want to learn more about solar energy. The energy shop and informationcenter has set up 1 panel at 55 Watt which has caused a reduction in distance moved to charge phones as well as dependency on generators for charging. 20 mobile telephones can be charged every day. Quotes from locals I never expected to find electricity in this part of the country one of the new teachers at Ochoko modern senior secondary school explained. LUWERO Installations Light at Central Square, phone, lantern and battery charging systems. 9 panels at 85 Watt and 2 panels at 55 Watt from Titan and Solar World. Cost: 60,000 DKK Facts By making the energy shop and informationcenter which has 9 panels at 85 Watt and 1 at 55 Watt, there has been a reduction in distance moved and time spent to charge mobile phones, batteries and lanterns. The energy shop charge about 25 telephones, 5 batteries between 40 and 200 Ah and 5 lanterns. Previously, residents moved 10KM, to get their phones charged. This was costly in terms of transport since transport costs 1,500 + charging 500 = 2,000 UGX, and time spent waiting for the phone to get charged. It now costs 500 UGX to charge a phone. Another central light with 1 panel at 55 Watt was installed on the other side of the centre. The investment money was profit from the energy shop. The installation cost 1,900,000 UGX. Due to the presence of the central light, residents can now sell their produce also in the evening, because the village gets 5 hours of light. The inhabitants have reduced the cost incurred in buying paraffin and candles. Quotes from locals We have gained skills and knowledge regarding solar energy and we have become local consultants Salongo Kanakulya, one of the local electricians explained. 6

Over the last 16 months, 21,082 people in Ajia Sub County have been immunised against polio, tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis, 74% of these have been children under 5 years.

7 in Uganda - Solar energy in Uganda - Solar energy in Uganda TORORO Installations Light at Central Square, phone charging and light in two class rooms. Installations have been done in two villages i.e. Gwaragwara and Nyakol. 3 panels in each village, 1 at 85 Watt and 2 at 55 Watt, from Titan and Solar World. Cost: 30,000 DKK for each village. Facts The light at the central square come from 1 panel at 55 Watt and give the villages 5 hours of light in the evening, which they can use for work, business, education or other activities. The light for the school comes from 1 panel at 85 Watt in two class rooms. Light at the school plays a big role enabling the kids do their home work and read instead of moving around at night. The school light has also been used on various occasions for social gatherings such meetings and weddings. The children use the light in the school to study and do their homework from 7pm to 9pm. The energy shop and informationcenter has 1 panel at 55 Watt. Prior to the installation, people used to move for approximately 2 to 3 KM (for the two villages) to get charging services. Per day 20 telephones can be charged in each energy shop. Quotes from locals JEEP has brought services to our compound. A comment from a member of Nyakol village solar committee. To be successful, the entire process must be financed - not only materials. 7

Facts The light at the central square come from 1 panel at 55 Watt and give the villages 5 hours of light in the evening, which they can use for work, business, education or other activities.

8 Solar energy in Uganda - Solar energy in Uganda Facts about Uganda, East Africa: 30 million inhabitants 236,040 km2 Gross Domestic Product per capita: 1,500 USD Average life expectancy is 48 years Official language: English 93% has no access to electricity The project is supported by The Project Fund for Small-Scale Interventions/ The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Danida. JEEP Folkecenter Joint Energy and Environment Projects (JEEP) 4264 Kampala Uganda, East Africa Tel: Mobile: [email protected] Website: Physical locate: Kyanja, 7 KM Gayaza Road Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable Energy Kammersgaardsvej 16, DK-7760 Hurup Thy, Denmark Tel: [email protected] /09/2009, Idea, text & layout: Lene Hoegh, Andrew Kibuuka and Nicolaj Stenkjaer. Photos: Lene Hoegh, Andrew Kibuuka and Preben Maegaard. Printed on environment friendly. 8

JEEP Folkecenter Joint Energy and Environment Projects (JEEP) 4264 Kampala Uganda, East Africa Tel: +256 414 568 300 Mobile: +256 772 468 662 jeep_energy@yahoo.com Website: www.jeepfolkecenter.

Business plan to establish a shop for energy saving products

Business plan to establish a shop for energy saving products Joint Energy and Environment Projects Miriam Cartheret Kyanja, Gayaza Road, 7Miles (P.O. Box 4264) Kampala, Uganda E-Mail: [email protected]