KAMPALA: This week The Department for International Trade, Uganda (DIT) in collaboration with Innovate UK are hosting a team of UK companies for a Trade Mission in Uganda to seek partnerships with key Uganda energy companies to realise affordable and clean energy. 12 UK companies from the energy sector will use this visit to explore energy access markets in Uganda, with a view of submitting project bids under the UK Aid funded Energy Catalyst programme (ECP).
The focus areas for the visit are next generation solar technologies and business models, smart green grids and mini and main grid-related technologies, energy storage, including batteries and mechanical storage, low carbon hydrogen, modern cooking, and low energy inclusive appliances.
Innovate UK’s ECRP aims to support businesses to develop innovative, sustainable energy technologies and business models to accelerate clean energy transition in developing and emerging economies.
During the week the team from Innovate UK will meet Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Industrial Research Institute to understand the investment environment and opportunities in Uganda. They will also visit Mbarara University of Science and Technology, to see the work that is being done on research and innovation from one of Uganda’s leading tertiary institutions. A key component of their visit will be the energy catalyst forum which will bring together stakeholders from the Uganda energy sector and the UK to discuss potential collaborations. They will also visit Mandulis energy in Nwoya district who own and operate renewable energy projects in Africa and pioneered private sector led deployment of on-grid and off-grid renewable energy infrastructure.
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The key objectives of the Trade Mission were;
- To help UK organisations applying for ECRP gain an understanding of the energy access issues in Uganda.
- To help these UK organisations find links to potential partners who would be interested in submitting an Energy Catalyst Application.
HE Kate Airey OBE, British High Commissioner to Uganda said, ‘This visit is extremely important to us and presents an opportunity for UK companies to work with Ugandan companies, researchers and innovators to tackle, head on, the challenges in clean, affordable and sustainable energy. We are proud that DIT, working with key stakeholders in the Ministry of Energy, Uganda Investment Authority, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda Industrial Research Institute and Mandulis UK, delivered this visit to ensure business between Uganda and the UK continues in sector that needs extensive support’.
