Plans are underway for the construction of floating solar power plants in Uganda. The Uganda Electricity Generation Company Ltd (UEGCL) has contracted Sweco for the project. The latter will reportedly design a detailed pilot plant and conduct a feasibility study for the project.
The solar power plants will be built at hydroelectric dams in Uganda. The project is aimed at helping in diversifying Uganda’s present energy mix, which is mainly made up of hydroelectric power. In order to determine which hydroelectric dams in Uganda are best suited for the construction of a solar power facility, Sweco will carry out a preliminary assessment of each of the four.
Afterward, detailed research and design will be carried out. It will have specifications to enable the recruitment of contractors, and financial calculations. Moreover, the research will enable the assessment of environmental factors as data for investment decisions.
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This is a new technology field according to Conny Udd, Division Manager for Energy and Industry, Sweco Sweden. The field thus is attractive for power companies, individual investors, and financiers.
The division manager stated that the energy sector is carrying out a rising number of innovative projects. She added that Sweco has big goals to take part in international initiatives to help with the green transition.
Parties involved in the floating solar photovoltaic plant project in Uganda
Sweco will work together with two French consulting companies, one German consultancy firm, and Ugandan subcontractors on this project. The project is expected to start immediately and last for 21 months. The entire value of the order is said to be 8 million SEK.
The floating solar photovoltaic plant project in Uganda by Sweco is a part of a deal between the Swedish and Ugandan governments. It is funded by Swedfund, a state-owned Sweden development finance institution that looks to reduce poverty by making sustainable investments in the world’s poorest countries.