Renewable energy sector: Players call for wider access, affordability and quality

Germany's international cooperation arm and Sendea, a programme of the Stiftung Solarenergie (Germany) a network of like-minded local solar companies, have called for wider access, affordability and integrity if the renewable energy sub sector is to thrive.

This was highlighted at a meeting of key actors within Uganda's renewable energy sector, in Kampala, convened by the solar service providers under Sendea Uganda.

Lisa Hofheinz from GIZ said as development partners in the renewable energy sector actors need to be mindful of opportunities in the off grid sector energy sector including focusing on PV Solar, keeping up to speed with data management, new technologies which are essential for work force in Uganda, and dealing with the challenges ahead.

"Capacity building in the renewable energy sector is very important. For it to contribute significantly to Uganda’s sustainable development, it has to be owned locally. And this has to do with supporting local SMEs, skilling technicians and ensuring that the demand and supply side of the market can sustain themselves," said Hofheinz

Johnson Turyamwesiimira, the Head of Assessment at the Directorate of Industrial Training told stakeholders to make sure that occupational standards are observed.

He said we need to assess and certify technicians in the sector.

"For the kamyufus (informal technicians) in grid power, such as Umeme (electricity) technicians, we are already assessing them in partnership with the private sector foundation.

Gonna Waiswa, a trainee from Sendea Academy said he can now install a solar system, a security solar light, a street light with motion and light sensors on hospitals and many more facilities.

At the meeting over 50 youth from different parts of the country, who have completed their training as freelance solar installation technicians were provided with start up tool-kits.

"We have these tool-kit box, which as the instruments that you will require to do the solar Pv installation work at any of the sites or locations that you have too. It costs Shs 450,000 each and we encourage you to buy for yourselves as an investment," said Loy Kyozaire, the CEO, Sendea Uganda.

She advised that government under the skills development fund to consider technical areas where there is growing demand such as PV solar installation by providing support tools.

"Our key partners such as government, needs to support these youth with solar installation tool kits. On our own we can not afford to provide for each and every technician that we train. These tool-kits are critical in ensuring efficient installation, servicing and maintenance. Through which firms doing the importation and buyers can continue to have value for money,” Kyozaire, appealed.

According to Dr. Harald Schutzeichel, the German based Solar Foundation, Stidtung Solarenergie GbmH, we need local investment in Africa as a whole.

"There many young entrepreneurs. Under Sendea for example, the solar companies in Uganda, we want local companies to strengthen investment capacity. This will enable easier financing and retention of finances within the country," he said.

Alex Lwakuba, the Commissioner for Crop Production in the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, reported that the requirement for solar irrigation is growing beyond 8% year on end underscoring the need for affordability.

"In order to increase agricultural productivity in Uganda, we need food security, we recognise the high cost of fossil fuels. Now Sendea promoting renewable energy, which is cheap, easily accessible, it is clean energy. It contributes to sustainable agricultural production and sustainable food systems across the world. We use solar pumps now which are increasingly important in harvesting, processing, sun drying. It is very important for us in the agricultural sector," Lwakuba said.