Nyamwamba II, a 7.8MW hydropower project in Kasese, Western Uganda, has reached its PPA Commercial Operation Date (COD). The $22 million project will provide clean and reliable energy to the local power supply.
The Nyamwamba II project is part of the efforts of the Ugandan government to use renewable energy to strengthen and diversify the country’s electricity infrastructure. The new capacity will support the local government to reach its 100% renewable energy target for the Kasese district.
The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company (UETCL) awarded the completed powerplant a COD letter on 17 March 2022 after successfully completing testing and commissioning. The project is Serengeti Energy’s (previously known as responsAbility Renewable Energy Holdings) second hydro project on the Nyamwamba river and its third hydro project to become operational in the country.
Chris Bale, Chief Executive Officer of Serengeti Energy said access to reliable and affordable electricity is a key prerequisite for economic development. “The Nyamwamba II project demonstrates our strong commitment to renewable energy development in Uganda. We would like to appreciate the Government of Uganda, specifically the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development of Uganda (MEMO) and UETCL, for their continued support in the development and construction of the project. A special appreciation as well to our shareholders KfW, Norfund and NDF that have been pivotal in making this project possible.”
Construction of the project commenced in October 2019 and was faced with several challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the project development and construction teams and their advisors found a way to surmount the challenges.
The Balance of Plant (BoP)/civil EPC contractor is SAEMS Hydro of Sri Lanka while Andritz of Germany has been the electromechanical water to wire contractor and Zutari is the owners’ engineer.
The Regional Liquidity Support Facility (RLSF) an initiative, by KfW (German state-owned development bank) and African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI), used to mitigate short term liquidity risks on independent power projects in Africa, is supporting the project and documentation will be executed shortly.
