SISAs rural electrification rates are down to 7 % in Uganda,
more than 26 million people do not have access to
electricity. There are several issues regarding this, but
both human and economic development are proven to be
linked with access to electricity.
As Uganda has one of the lowest GDP’s in the world, and
an urgent need of bringing electricity to those who have
none, it becomes important to choose the right way of
electrification, both regarding technology and costs. As
grid electricity generation is cheaper than off-grid
generation, but expensive to extend, it becomes a
question of whether or not to extend the grid or install offgrid solutions. This choice is different for all villages as
their distance to the grid and consumption differs.
Several technologies are applicable as the most important
factor for rural electrification success is not the technical
aspect but the human factors behind, such as lack of
technical knowledge regarding design, installation, and
management – these however being general and do not
make any technology more or less feasible. The most
feasible are found to be grid extension and solar PV minigrids. Solar PV mini-grids are modular which makes a large
difference as rise in consumption can be more easily met
than for the other solutions where it is necessary to
change generator unit.
Financially, diesel generator mini-grids are the most
feasible off-grid technology. However, as they are only 16
% more feasible than solar PV, which is more
technologically feasible, solar PV is chosen as the most
feasible off-grid solution. Comparing solar PV and grid
costs of electrifying villages through GIS, choosing the
least-cost option, it is found that Uganda should be
electrified in a 3:1 ratio by grid and off-grid, after a 10 year
payback period.