The 24 MWp Ituka solar photovoltaic (PV) project, developed by AMEA Power, is set to be the first of its kind in the West Nile region of Uganda.
Financing for this ambitious project was secured during COP28 with the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF).
Groundbreaking Ceremony and Distinguished Guests
AMEA Power, a rapidly growing renewable energy company, recently announced the official groundbreaking of the project.
The ceremony was graced by esteemed figures including Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ms. Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and Mr. Aqueel Bohra, Chief Investment Officer of AMEA Power.
Diverse Stakeholder Participation
The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Uleppi Subcounty, the Madi Okollo District, local Members of Parliament, the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), the Electricity Regulatory Authority, the Ugandan Embassy to the United Arab Emirates, and various other government and private energy sector agencies.
Project Details and Impact
The 24 MWp solar PV project is being implemented by Ituka West Nile Uganda Limited, a project company fully owned by AMEA Power.
Situated on a 52-hectare site in Ombachi village, Uleppi Subcounty, Madi Okollo District, the project includes a 1X24 MVA 33/132 kV transformer substation/switchyard.
The electricity generated will be transmitted through the newly constructed Lira-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua 132 kV transmission line, operated by UETCL, the offtaker.
This groundbreaking project is poised to be the first and largest utility-scale grid-connected solar PV project in the West Nile Region upon completion.
Financial Backing and Investment
The project’s $19 million financing was secured during COP28 from the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF).
Additionally, the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) is supporting the project through its Regional Liquidity Support Facility (RLSF).
Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future
Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “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.”
Project Timeline and Environmental Impact
The commissioning of the solar PV power plant is expected in Q3 2025, and it will be AMEA Power’s first operational asset in Uganda.
The plant is projected to generate approximately 53,940 MWh of clean energy annually, powering more than 192,640 households and offsetting 26,600 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Agreements and Community Engagement
The Power Purchase Agreement with the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd. and the Implementation Agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development were signed in September 2023.
AMEA Power is dedicated to working closely with local communities and will undertake key social initiatives under its ‘Community Investment and Development Programs,’ focusing on gender equality, education, and training programs.
About AMEA Power
AMEA Power, headquartered in Dubai, is a developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy projects. It has established itself as a rapidly growing renewable energy company in the region with a world-class team of industry experts, delivering projects across Africa, the Middle East, and emerging Asia.