The German government and the European Union (EU) launched the GET ACCESS mini-grid solar programme, a €35 million (about Shs136.4 billion) initiative to support the electrification of Uganda’s rural areas and contribute to the transition towards renewable energy.
GET ACCESS will provide first time access to modern, affordable and clean electricity to over 110, 000 people, 800 public institutions (schools, health centres, etc.,) and at least 700 businesses in remote rural areas.
GET ACCESS catalyses private funds into development, construction, operation and maintenance of 120+ solar powered mini-grids ensuring a 24h/7d reliable electricity service.
The mini-grids installed will approximately add 5-6 megawatts of generation capacity to the country.
The funding came from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation (BMZ), which contributed €15m, EU (€10m) and the other €10m will come from a combination of investors and the government of Uganda.
The funds will be managed by the German Development Bank (KfW).
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) will be responsible for the programme implementation in collaboration with the Ugandan Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).
GET ACCESS will be implemented through a competitive tendering process whereby mini-grid developer companies, with demonstrable technical and financial capacities, offering the least cost energy are selected.
To ensure necessary scale for financial leverage, operation and commercial sustainability, GET ACCESS supported mini-grids will be grouped in up to five (5) clusters across Uganda.
The village clusters of Palorinya–Maaji (West Nile refugee settlement), Kalangala and Wakiso (Central Uganda), Buvuma Island (East & West) and Lake Albert Shores have been confirmed for off-grid electrification through the programme.
The tender process shall begin in 2023 and the construction of the mini grids shall start by 2024.
GET ACCESS will support selected private companies with a unique combination of upfront and results-based subsidies that will reimburse mini-grid developers for significant portions of capital expenditures and costs to stimulate the productive use of energy (PUE).
GET ACCESS builds on previous pilot projects supporting deployment of off-grid technologies and on the recently gazetted Isolated Grid System regulatory framework and its associated guidelines.
