Overview of hydropower resources and development in Uganda

Vincent Katutsi; Milly Kaddu; Adella Grace Migisha; Muhumuza Ezra Rubanda; Muyiwa S Adaramola; Vincent Katutsi; Milly Kaddu; Adella Grace Migisha; Muhumuza Ezra Rubanda; Muyiwa S Adaramola

doi:10.3934/energy.2021060

AIMS Energy

2021, Volume 9, Issue 6: 1299-1320. doi: 10.3934/energy.2021060

Previous Article Next Article

Overview Special Issues

Overview of hydropower resources and development in Uganda

1.
Department of Economics Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda
2.
Department of Economics Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi, Uganda
3.
School of Management and Entrepreneurship Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda
4.
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda
5.
Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway

Received: 12 October 2021 Accepted: 21 December 2021 Published: 27 December 2021

Even though hydropower plants are currently the most dominant source of electricity in Uganda, the rate of development of these resources for power generation remains low. Using a semi-systematic review approach, this paper seeks to understand why there is a slow rate of hydropower development in Uganda (challenges) and thereby provide potential solutions to these challenges. With current total capacity of about 1011 MW, findings indicate that there is a higher future prospect for hydropower generation in Uganda, with an estimated potential of over 4500 MW. In terms of number of projects, small-scale hydropower plants dominate power plants in Uganda, currently accounting for 19 out of 35 grid-connected power plants. However, with 855 MW installation capacity, large hydropower plants dominate the power generation plants landscape in Uganda. This study found that the challenges to hydropower development in this country are multi-dimensional including technical, economic, environmental, and social factors, and shows that the cross-cutting challenge is lack of human capacity that possess adequate skills to handle hydropower projects in the country. Furthermore, this study discussed practical solutions to address the identified problems facing hydro power in Uganda.
- energy resources,
- hydropower resource,
- hydropower technology,
- hydropower policy,
- Uganda
Citation: Vincent Katutsi, Milly Kaddu, Adella Grace Migisha, Muhumuza Ezra Rubanda, Muyiwa S Adaramola. Overview of hydropower resources and development in Uganda[J]. AIMS Energy, 2021, 9(6): 1299-1320. doi: 10.3934/energy.2021060

Related Papers:

Abstract

Even though hydropower plants are currently the most dominant source of electricity in Uganda, the rate of development of these resources for power generation remains low. Using a semi-systematic review approach, this paper seeks to understand why there is a slow rate of hydropower development in Uganda (challenges) and thereby provide potential solutions to these challenges. With current total capacity of about 1011 MW, findings indicate that there is a higher future prospect for hydropower generation in Uganda, with an estimated potential of over 4500 MW. In terms of number of projects, small-scale hydropower plants dominate power plants in Uganda, currently accounting for 19 out of 35 grid-connected power plants. However, with 855 MW installation capacity, large hydropower plants dominate the power generation plants landscape in Uganda. This study found that the challenges to hydropower development in this country are multi-dimensional including technical, economic, environmental, and social factors, and shows that the cross-cutting challenge is lack of human capacity that possess adequate skills to handle hydropower projects in the country. Furthermore, this study discussed practical solutions to address the identified problems facing hydro power in Uganda.

References

[1]	National Planning Authority (NPA) (2020) Third national development plan (NDPIII) 2020/21-2024/25. Kampala, Uganda: Government of Uganda. Available from: http://www.npa.go.ug/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/NDPIII-Finale_Compressed.pdf.
[2]	International hydropower association, Country profile: Uganda, 2018. Available from: https://www.hydropower.org/country-profiles/uganda.
[3]	BMAU briefing paper. (2019) Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Kampala. Available from: https://www.finance.go.ug/publication/policy-briefing-papers-2019.
[4]	Government of Uganda-National Development Plan II (2015/16-2019/20). Available from: http://npa.go.ug/wp-content/uploads/NDPII-Final.pdf.
[5]	Aarakit SM, Ssennono VF, Adaramola MS (2021) Estimating market potential for solar photovoltaic systems in Uganda. Front Energy Res 9: 602468. doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2021.602468
[6]	Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Draft national energy policy, 2019. Available from: https://www.energyandminerals.go.ug/site/assets/files/1081/draft_revised_energy_policy_-_11_10_2019-1_1.pdf.
[7]	International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Renewable capacity statistics 2021. Available from: https://www.irena.org/publications/2021/March/Renewable-Capacity-Statistics-2021.
[8]	UBOS, 2021—Population Projections By District, 2015 to 2021. Available from: Explore Statistics - https://www.ubos.org/explore-statistics/20/.
[9]	Electricity Regulatory Authority, Electricity generation statistics, 2020. Available from: https://www.era.go.ug/index.php/stats/generation-statistics/energy-generated.
[10]	Fashina A, Mundu M, Akiyode O, et al. (2019) The drivers and barriers of renewable energy applications and development in Uganda: a review. Clean Technol 1: 9-39. doi: 10.3390/cleantechnol1010003
[11]	Wabukala BM, Otim J, Mubiinzi G, et al. (2021) Assessing wind energy development in Uganda: Opportunities and challenges. Wind Eng 45: 1714-1732. doi: 10.1177/0309524X20985768
[12]	International Hydropower Association, Hydropower status report, 2021. Available from: https://www.hydropower.org/publications/2021-hydropower-status-report.
[13]	National Planning Authority (NPA), Uganda Vision 2040, Kampala: Uganda, 2013. Available from: http://www.npa.go.ug/uganda-vision-2040/.
[14]	Nabutsabi DM (2020) Hydropower solutions for developing and emerging countries: Framework analysis and research needs in Uganda. Available from: https://www.hyposo.eu/pdf/HYPOSO_Framework_Conditions_Uganda.pdf.
[15]	Kimbowa G, Mourad KA (2019) Assessing the Bujagali hydropower project in Uganda. Mod Approaches Oceanogr Petrochem Sci 2: 162-173.
[16]	UBOS, Uganda boundaries shape files, 2019. Available from http://geoportal.icpac.net/documents/644.
[17]	Van der Ven MJ (2020) An overview of recent developments and the current state of the Ugandan energy sector. Working Paper: International Growth Centre. reference number: E-20046-UGA-1.
[18]	Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Installed capacity, 2021. Available from: https://www.era.go.ug/index.php/stats/generation-statistics/installed-capacity.
[19]	Nsubuga FN, Namutebi EN, Nsubuga-Ssenfuma M (2014) Water resources of Uganda: An assessment and review. J Water Resource Prot 6: 1297. doi: 10.4236/jwarp.2014.614120
[20]	Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), 2021. Available from: https://www.era.go.ug/index.php.
[21]	Oloya IT, Gutu TJL, Adaramola MS (2021) Techno-economic assessment of 10 MW centralized grid-tied solar photovoltaic system in Uganda. Case Stud Therm Eng 25: 100928. doi: 10.1016/j.csite.2021.100928
[22]	Wagner HJ, Mathur J (2011) Introduction to Hydro Energy Systems. Springer, Berlin, ISBN 978-3-642-20708-2.
[23]	Okot DK (2013) Review of small hydropower technology. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 26: 515-520. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2013.05.006
[24]	Chitrakar S, Solemslie BW, Neopane HP, et al. (2020) Review on numerical techniques applied in impulse hydro turbines. Renewable Energy 159: 843-859. doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.06.058
[25]	Yagmur S, Kose F (2021) Numerical evolution of unsteady wake characteristics of H-type Darrieus Hydrokinetic Turbine for a hydro farm arrangement. Appl Ocean Res 110: 102582. doi: 10.1016/j.apor.2021.102582
[26]	Brian K (2020) Hydrokinetic turbines for moderate sized rivers. Energy Sustain Dev 58: 182-195. doi: 10.1016/j.esd.2020.08.003
[27]	Cora E, Fry JJ, Bachhiesl M, et al. (2020) Hydropower technologies—The state of the art. Hydropower Europe. WP4-DIRp-02.
[28]	Quaranta E, Revelli R (2018) Gravity water wheels as a micro hydropower energy source: A review based on historic data, design methods, efficiencies and modern optimizations. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 97: 414-427. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2018.08.033
[29]	Muller G, Kauppert K (2010) Performance characteristics of water wheels. J Hydraul Res 42: 451-460. doi: 10.1080/00221686.2004.9641215
[30]	Bouvant M, Betancour J, Velásquez L, et al. (2021) Design optimization of an Archimedes screw turbine for hydrokinetic applications using the response surface methodology. Renewable Energy 172: 941-954. doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.03.076
[31]	Kusakana K, Vermaak HJ (2013) Hydrokinetic power generation for rural electricity supply: Case of South Africa. Renewable Energy 55: 467-473. doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2012.12.051
[32]	Bahati HK, Ogenrwoth A, Sempewo JI (2021) Quantifying the potential impacts of land-use and climate change on hydropower reliability of Muzizi hydropower plant, Uganda. J Water Clim Change 12: 2526-2554. doi: 10.2166/wcc.2021.273
[33]	Electricity Regulatory Authority, ERA. (2018) Renewable energy opportunities.
[34]	Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Electric Power Development Co. Ltd., Nippon Koei Co. Ltd., (2011) Project for master plan study on hydropower development in the Republic of Uganda. Final report.
[35]	UETCL (2018) Grid Development Plan 2018-2040. Kampala: Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd.
[36]	Laghari JA, Mokhlis H, Bakar AHA, et al. (2013) A comprehensive overview of new designs in the hydraulic, electrical equipment and controllers of mini hydro power plants making it cost effective technology. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 20: 279-293. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2012.12.002
[37]	Bódis K, Monforti F, Szabó S (2014) Could Europe have more mini hydro sites? A suitability analysis based on continentally harmonized geographical and hydrological data. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 37: 794-808. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2014.05.071
[38]	Mdee OJ, Nielsen TK, Kimambo CZ, et al. (2018) Assessment of hydropower resources in Tanzania. A review article. Renewable Energy Environ Sustainability 3: 12 pages.
[39]	Hossain M, Huda ASN, Mekhilef S, et al. (2018) A state-of-the-art review of hydropower in Malaysia as renewable energy: Current status and future prospects. Energy Strategy Rev 22: 426-437. doi: 10.1016/j.esr.2018.11.001
[40]	Twaha S, Ramli MAM, Murphy PM, et al. (2016) Renewable based distributed generation in Uganda: Resource potential and status of exploitation. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 57: 786-798. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2015.12.151
[41]	Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. (2015) Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) Action Agenda. Kampala: MEMD.
[42]	Nile basin initiative. (2007) Strategic Social and Environmental Assessment of Power Development Options in the Nile Equatorial Lakes Region. SNC Lavalin International.
[43]	IRENA. (2017) Renewable Readiness Assessment: United Republic of Tanzania. Abu Dhabi: International Renewable Energy Agency.
[44]	World Bank. (2020) Increasing access to electricity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Washington DC: The World Bank.
[45]	World Bank Group. (2016) Financial Viability of Electricity Sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa; Quasi-Fiscal Deficits and Hidden Costs. World Bank Group.
[46]	Ministry of Transport and Works. (2017) Works and Transport Sector Development Plan 2015/2016 to 2019/2020. Kampala: ROU.
[47]	Energypedia, Uganda Energy Situation, 2020. Available from: https://energypedia.info/wiki/Uganda_Energy_Situation.
[48]	Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (2018) Final Energy Report. Kampala: ROU
[49]	Kaunda, CS, Kimambo CZ, Nielsen TK (2012) Potential of small-scale hydropower for electricity generation in sub-Saharan Africa. ISRN Renewable Energy Article ID 132606.
[50]	African Development Bank. (2015) Achwa II Hydro Electric Power Project. African Development Bank.
[51]	Baastel consortium (2014) Economic assessment of the impact of climate change in Uganda: Data water sector report. Available from: https://www.futurewater.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Impacts-of-CC-in-Uganda-Water_v3-clean-final.pdf.
[52]	Godinho C, Eberhard AA (2019) Learning from power sector reform the case of Uganda (Issue April).
[53]	UNDP. (2009) Enhancing the contribution of weather, climate and climate change to growth, employment and as prosperity. Kampala: UNDP/NEMA/UNEP Poverty Environment Initiative, Uganda.
[54]	NEMA. (2020) National Environmental Management Authority.
[55]	Ministry of Water and Environment. (2015) Economic assessment of the impacts of climate change in Uganda. Kampala: Republic of Uganda.
[56]	Probst B, Westermann L, Anadón LD, et al. (2021). Leveraging private investment to expand renewable power generation: Evidence on financial additionality and productivity gains from Uganda. World Dev 140: 105347. doi: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2020.105347
[57]	Kilinc C (2012) Efficiency assessment of the hydropower plants in Turkey by using data envelopment analysis. Renewable Energy 46: 192-202. doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2012.03.021
[58]	Calabria FA, Camanho AS, Zanella A (2018) The use of composite indicators to evaluate the performance of Brazilian hydropower plants. Intl Trans Op Res 25:1323-1343. doi: 10.1111/itor.12277
[59]	Meinecke S, Sarajli D, Drauz SR, et al. (2020) SimBench—A benchmark dataset of electric power flow analysis. Energies 13: 3290. doi: 10.3390/en13123290
[60]	Jamasb T, Pollitt M (2001) Benchmarking and regulation: International electricity experience. Util Policy 9: 107-130. doi: 10.1016/S0957-1787(01)00010-8
[61]	Jain S, Jain B (2015) A cost frontier model for Indian electricity generating utilities: A stochastic approach. Int J Eng Tech Res 3: 47-53.
[62]	Du Y, Liao H, Wei Y (2020) Integrating cost information in energy efficiency measurement: An empirical study on thermal power companies. Energy Effic 4: 697-709. doi: 10.1007/s12053-020-09849-5
[63]	Kichonge B (2018) The status and future prospects of hydropower for sustainable water and energy development in Tanzania. J Renewable Energy 2018: 1-12.
[64]	Zhou Y, Chang LC, Uen TS, et al. (2019). Prospect for small hydropower installation settled upon optimal water allocation: An action to stimulate synergies of water-food-energy nexus. Appl Energy 238: 668-682. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.01.069
[65]	Nicholas RE (2018) Exploring how changing monsoonal dynamics and human pressures challenge multi-reservoir management for flood protection, hydropower production, and agricultural water supply. Water Resour Res 54: 4638-4662. doi: 10.1029/2018WR022743
[66]	Ehteram M, Koting SB, Afan HA, et al. (2019). New evolutionary algorithm for optimizing hydropower generation considering multireservoir systems. Appl Sci 9: 2280. doi: 10.3390/app9112280
[67]	Samad A, Rahaman SA, Watada J, et al. (2020). Optimization of the hydropower energy generation using Meta-Heuristic approaches: A review. Energy Rep 6: 2230-2248. doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2020.08.009
[68]	Li X, Chen Z, Fan X, et al. (2018). Hydropower development situation and prospects in China. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 82: 232-239. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2017.08.090

Reader Comments

Your name:*

Email:*
© 2021 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)