Fossil fuels a more reliable portal in the development of Africa

By Asha Wandulu

As African nations strive for economic development and improved living standards, the debate over energy sources remains a critical issue.

While the global push toward renewable energy is gaining momentum, fossil fuels continue to play a significant role in the development of many African countries, including Uganda.

This article explores the advantages that fossil fuels offer over alternative energies in the context of Uganda's development, highlighting their affordability, reliability, and infrastructure compatibility.

Affordability and Cost-Effectiveness; one of the most significant advantages of fossil fuels is their affordability, especially for developing nations like Uganda.

Fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, and natural gas, are relatively inexpensive to extract and utilize compared to the high upfront costs associated with renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, and hydropower.

For a country like Uganda, where financial resources are limited, fossil fuels provide a cost-effective way to meet growing energy demands.

Uganda's recent discovery of oil reserves in the Albertine Graben region has the potential to significantly reduce the country's reliance on imported energy sources, thereby saving foreign exchange and fostering economic growth.

The exploitation of these reserves can provide a steady revenue stream for the government, which can be reinvested in critical sectors such as education, Agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Reliability and Energy Security; fossil fuels offer a reliable and consistent energy supply, which is crucial for industrial development and economic growth.

Unlike renewable energy sources, which are often intermittent and dependent on weather conditions, fossil fuels can provide a stable and continuous power supply, with a strong power base which is fundamental for energy security.

This reliability is particularly important for Uganda, where energy access remains a significant challenge, with only about 42% of the population having access to electricity as of 2023.

The consistent energy supply provided by fossil fuels can support the growth of industries, create jobs, and attract foreign investment.

For instance, the development of Uganda's oil and gas sector is expected to spur the growth of related industries, such as refining, petrochemicals, and transportation, thereby contributing to the country's industrialization agenda.

Infrastructure Compatibility

Fossil fuels are compatible with existing energy infrastructure, making them a practical choice for countries like Uganda that are still in the early stages of energy development.

The transition to renewable energy often requires significant investments in new infrastructure, such as solar farms, wind turbines, and grid upgrades, which can be prohibitively expensive for developing nations,and which require the use of fossil fuels right from manufacturing, transportation to installation. This is evidence enough that we need more of fossil fuels and not less.

Uganda's existing energy infrastructure is largely designed to accommodate fossil fuels, and the country has already invested in oil refineries and pipelines.

Leveraging this infrastructure can provide a quicker and more cost-effective path to increasing energy access and supporting economic development.

Job Creation and Economic Growth; the fossil fuel industry has the potential to create thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, in Uganda.

From exploration and extraction to refining and distribution, the oil and gas sector can provide employment opportunities for a wide range of skill levels, from unskilled laborers to highly trained engineers and technicians.

This job creation can help reduce poverty and improve living standards for many Ugandans.

Moreover, the revenue generated from fossil fuel exports can be used to fund development projects and social programs, further boosting the country's economic growth.

For example, Uganda's oil revenues could be used to invest in education and healthcare, which are critical for long-term development.

Energy Access for Rural Areas; while renewable energy is often touted as the solution for rural electrification, fossil fuels can also play a role in expanding energy access to remote areas.

In Uganda, where a significant portion of the population lives in rural areas, fossil fuels can be used to power generators and provide electricity to communities that are not yet connected to the national grid.

Additionally, fossil fuels can be used to power transportation networks, enabling the movement of goods and people across the country.

This improved connectivity can facilitate trade, enhance access to markets, and promote economic development in rural areas.

Conclusively, while the global transition to renewable energy is viewed as a pathway for sustainable development, fossil fuels still offer significant advantages for developing countries like Uganda.

Their affordability, reliability, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and potential for job creation make them a practical choice for meeting the country's energy needs and driving economic growth.

Asha Wandulu is a founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ashalumi Governance Network Limited.