In a bid to bridge the electricity access gap in the country, the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), has marked out mini-grids as a cost-efficient electrification solution in addition to the main grid. As such, MEMD has embarked on developing a pipeline of mini-grid projects to be developed across the country especially in remote areas that have no access to the main grid.
To facilitate the rollout of mini-grid projects at scale, MEMD has partnered with GET.transform for a series of trainings that enhance off-grid specific capacities of key sector players. The focus lies on bankable mini-grid procurement mechanisms that can improve the scalability and sustainability of proven mini-grid business models.
In a fully residential format, the first part of the trainings conducted in July in Kampala, saw 22 participants from both the public and private sector take part in deep dive sessions on off-grid rural electrification, mini-grids, delivery models, and introduction to off-grid procurements.
The attendance comprised of representatives from Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA), German Development Bank (KfW), GIZ Uganda, Multiconsult Consulting Group and Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA). GET.transform had commissioned off-grid experts from INENSUS and GFA to support the preparation and facilitation of the training.
The second part of the trainings, scheduled for mid-August, will offer a deep dive into mini-grids, including financial models and business plans, technical design details, regulation and policy. Additionally, innovative business models for mini grids and other stand-alone systems will be investigated.
