Dubai-based renewable energy company AMEA Power has announced the groundbreaking of a 24MWp solar PV project in Uganda, which they say will be the first and largest utility-scale grid-connected solar PV project in the West Nile Region, once commissioned.

The project, implemented by AMEA-owned Ituka West Nile Uganda Limited, a project company registered in Uganda, is located on a 52-hectare site in Ombachi village in the West Nile Sub-Region, around 450km from Kampala.

The project includes a 1X24 MVA 33/132kV transformer substation/switchyard and will be evacuated through the newly constructed Lira-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua 132kV transmission line, operated by UETCL, the offtaker.

Commissioning of the solar PV power plant is expected in Q3 2025, after which it will be AMEA Power’s first operational asset in Uganda. It will generate approximately 53,940MWh of clean energy per year, power more than 192,640 households and offset 26,600 tonnes of carbon emission annually.

Financing of $19 million was secured for the project during COP28 from the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), with African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) supporting the project via its Regional Liquidity

Commenting on the project in a release was Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power: “ We are excited to begin construction on this landmark solar project in Uganda, marking a significant step forward in our commitment to expanding our footprint across East Africa.

“This project aligns perfectly with Uganda’s vision for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, and we are confident that it will deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits for the country”.

In September 2023, a power purchase agreement for the project was signed with the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd., as well as an implementation agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

According to AMEA Power, the company will work closely with the local communities as part of a commitment to socio-economic development and will undertake key social initiatives under its ‘Community Investment and Development Programmes’, aimed to focus on gender equality, education and training programmes.