UECCC Breaks Ground for the ORIO Mini Hydro Power Project
The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has commended the ORIO mini hydro power project as a transformative step for Uganda’s energy sector. The Deputy Speaker made the remarks while officiating at the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Orio Mini hydro power dam.
“The partnership between Uganda and the Netherlands has proven to be a beacon of development, and today is evidence of what can be achieved when we work together for the common good,” he said. He reaffirmed the continued support of Parliament for such projects that are aligned with Uganda’s vision of economic growth and sustainable development.
the ORIO Mini Hydropower Project in Mitooma district marks the beginning of the journey towards affordable and reliable electricity for thousands of Ugandans in hard-to-reach areas of Western Uganda.
The project entails construction of nine mini hydro power plants (combined capacity of 6.7 MW) and construction of a local distribution network (288 KM) in the project area (Kasese, Bushenyi, Mitooma, Hoima, Kabarole, Bunyangabu and Bundibugyo Districts) as a single project. The project is funded by Invest International of the Netherlands Government and co-financing from the Government of Uganda with UECCC as the Implementing Agency.
The project is a key part of Uganda’s Sustainable Energy Development Programme, aimed at increasing generation capacity and expanding rural electrification. On completion, 71,081 households and 2,300 Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs) will be connected to clean, reliable energy through 9 mini hydro plants with a total capacity of 6.7 MW.
UECCC Managing Director, Roy Baguma said phase one of the project will include four sites; Nchwera, Igassa, Nsongya, and Hoimo, and the construction will be carried out by HNAC Technology Co. Ltd from China for civil and hydro-mechanical works, and OSSBERGER GmbH + Co. KG from Germany for design and installation of turbines and electro-mechanical works.
Hon. Dr. Canon Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development said the project represents a significant contribution to Uganda’s energy goals because on completion, it will connect over 376,000 people to stable electricity, improving livelihoods, promoting business growth, and supporting healthcare and education.
The Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands Embassy, Joost Van Ettro reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to Uganda’s renewable energy sector. He noted that the Netherlands has invested UGX 650B in Uganda’s energy sector, supporting large hydro plants, mini-grids, & off-grid solar solutions. He said this project will add 6.7MW to Uganda’s grid, extend 288km of power lines, and connect hundreds of thousands to the grid. He added that the Netherlands remains a strategic partner in Uganda’s energy transition, with more projects on the horizon.
Comments are closed.