The Government of Uganda has issued a Gazetted Policy Direction authorizing the development of a 100 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic plant with a 250 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) in Kapeeka Sub-County, Nakaseke District. The project will be delivered by U.S.-based Energy America, with its East Africa subsidiary, EA Astrovolt, serving as the lead project developer and execution partner.
Issued under Section 16 of the Electricity Act (Cap. 157), the directive signals the launch of Phase I of Uganda’s national plan to deploy over 1 gigawatt (GW) of solar and battery infrastructure. It aligns with the country’s Vision 2040 and National Energy Policy 2023, which prioritize universal access to affordable and reliable electricity.
Energy Minister Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu described the policy move as “a bold step toward realizing our Vision 2040” and emphasized that the project would deliver world-class clean energy technology, create local jobs, develop skills, and strengthen Uganda’s electricity system resilience.
EA Astrovolt, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, will oversee project development, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and long-term system performance. The company will deploy high-efficiency solar modules and modular, utility-scale battery systems designed for tropical climates, grid stabilization, and off-peak power delivery.
Key infrastructure features will include:
- High energy yield under high-irradiance and heat conditions
- Scalable battery architecture for flexible capacity
- Centralized monitoring and grid-integration readiness
- Low-maintenance, long-life assets built to international standards
The project is also positioned as a milestone in U.S.–Uganda economic and energy cooperation, building on initiatives such as Power Africa, Prosper Africa, and the U.S.–Africa Clean Energy Finance program, alongside financing opportunities from the U.S. EXIM Bank and International Development Finance Corporation.
Under the gazetted directive, EA Astrovolt will conduct the feasibility study, with the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) determining the tariff. A Power Purchase Agreement will be negotiated with the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL). Phase I will serve as the foundation for scaling up to more than 1 GW of national renewable capacity.
Energy America and EA Astrovolt have committed to job creation, technology transfer, development of the local supply chain, and community engagement, ensuring the project complies with all regulatory, environmental, and operational requirements.
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