Dubai-based firm set on solar for eastern Uganda

May 31, 2017 in Energy, Infrastructure, Renewable by Editor

May 31—Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) has agreed to buy the 10 MW of power, Dubai-based ZT Energy, will be generating from a proposed solar plant in eastern Uganda. The project is being developed at Bufulubi in Mayuge district.

A power purchase agreement (PPA) was signed in April stipulating 11 US cents per kWh, which according to sources, is the lowest rate being offered by a solar power developer in Uganda. Earlier this month, ZT Energy and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development signed an implementation agreement.

ZT-Energy is a joint venture between Z-One Holding and the European-based, Tryba Energy. The two joined forces in 2015 to push for renewable energy project development in Africa.

Z-ONE Holding has interests in eight companies representing the whole PV value-chain from equipment manufacturing, distribution, consultancy, EPC and project development. Its partner, Tryba Energy which has headquarters in France, has expertise in photo-voltaic solar plants both on roofs and the ground level.

Uganda’s Renewable Energy Policy of 2007 has encouraged more private sector interest in electricity generation. It offers a raft of incentives including Feed-in-Tariffs to ensure a predictable environment for the investor and tax exemptions.

In December last year, Access Power Middle East and Africa, together with Luxembourg-based Eren Renewable Energy unveiled a $19 million 10 MW solar plant in Soroti town also in eastern Uganda. It supplies about 40,000 households.