TotalEnergies commits to advancing clean energy solutions in Uganda

At the 2024 Renewable Energy Conference (REC24) held in Kampala, TotalEnergies reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Uganda’s energy security and sustainability efforts through significant renewable energy investments. Speaking at the event, Mariam Nampeera Mbowa, Deputy General Manager of TotalEnergies Uganda, highlighted the company’s goal to enhance clean energy access, which, she said, “will not only improve livelihoods but also help reduce the carbon footprint.”

The conference, under the theme “Transforming Livelihoods through Clean Energy Access,” showcased TotalEnergies’ recent progress in its solar and hydroelectric initiatives. Since signing an agreement with the Ugandan government in 2022, the company has pursued a solar deployment plan to install 120 MW of photovoltaic (PV) power. Mbowa announced that feasibility studies are underway at several sites across the country, including Iganga and Tororo, which are expected to begin commercial operations in late 2026.

In addition to its solar investments, TotalEnergies acquired a 28.3% stake in Uganda’s Bujagali Hydropower Plant earlier this year, which provides 250 MW of power, covering more than a quarter of the country’s peak electricity demand. Mbowa said, “Our entry into the hydroelectric sector reflects our recognition of Uganda’s vast potential in renewable energy.”

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Mbowa further outlined TotalEnergies’ efforts to promote clean cooking technologies and reduce the dependency on biomass, which nearly 90% of Uganda’s population relies on for energy. As part of its Tilenga project, the company is building an 80-kiloton-per-year liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) plant, offering Ugandans a cleaner alternative for cooking.

TotalEnergies is also investing in Uganda’s e-mobility sector, providing infrastructure for battery swapping and charging stations for electric motorcycles and vehicles. “The transition to e-mobility is critical,” Mbowa stated, “as two-stroke engines contribute heavily to poor air quality, especially in urban areas.”

With a global commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, TotalEnergies is focused on a two-pillar strategy aimed at meeting rising energy needs while significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions.