Government of Uganda signs MOU for geothermal development

Kasese, Kaberole, Uganda (source: CleanSource Energy Partners)

The Government of Uganda, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Canada-based ASKA Infrastructure Development (ASKA Group) for a potential geothermal power project in Katwe-Kikorongo, Kasese District. Work on this project is expected to proceed over the next 18 months and will be funded completely by the Canadian government and other international credit development agencies.

Katwe-Kikorongo had already been previously recognized as one of the major potential geothermal areas in Western Uganda. Uganda has estimated geothermal resources of up to 1,500 MW from 24 areas in the Ugandan Rift System.

Minister of State for Energy Hon. Okaasai Opolot pointed out the geothermal potential of Uganda particularly because of its location along the East Africa Rift Valley. This point was supported by ASKA Group President Kamaal Samji, who mentioned the presence of steam in the ground in places like Kasese.

Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary Eng. Irene Batebe noted that ASKA will be expected to conduct feasibility studies as part of the project. The work will also include securing the required licenses and permits. However, Batebe assured that the Ministry will help in supporting this process by providing all the necessary information or facilitating the authorization process if needed.

During the meeting between ASKA Group and the Ministry, Okaasai mentioned that power generation companies in Uganda can now independently generate, transmit, and distribute power to the end-user. This makes investments in the country’s power sector attractive while also empowering the population who rely on power to have stable and sustainable livelihoods.

The project is also expected to generate jobs for Ugandans. East Africa Project Liaison Salim Janmohamed assured the Minister that there will only be a maximum of 10 experts involved in the project and the rest of the employees will be locally hired and trained to meet international standards.

“As climate is changing, we need to take a proactive role to diversify to clean energy. The project will provide clean energy for Uganda,” said ASKA Group CEO Dinu Samji, further stating that the project is in line with the global transition towards clean energy.

Source: Uganda Update