The government plans to harness geothermal energy as part of the country’s energy mix. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development says harnessing geothermal is part of the long-term strategy to ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable power as demand from industries and domestic use surges.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu said geothermal energy also presents an opportunity for Uganda to access climate finance and green investment.
“As countries implement their climate commitments, geothermal is increasingly seen as a firm renewable energy source that supports grid stability while reducing emissions,” she said.
Despite the technical and financial hurdles, officials believe geothermal energy could play a transformative role in Uganda’s energy future if successfully developed. Geothermal energy offers a stable and low-carbon alternative capable of supporting Uganda’s industrialisation ambitions.
Speaking at the Uganda-Kenya-Tanzania-France (UKTF) Partnership meeting in Kampala, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Grace Tusiime said Uganda is accelerating efforts to develop its largely untapped geothermal resources.
The five-day technical meeting, held from April 13 to 17 at Onomo Resort in Nakasero, has brought together experts from across East Africa and development partners, including the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), to strengthen regional collaboration in geothermal development.
The National Development Plans 111 had indicated that electricity demand in Uganda was growing at an annual rate of 10-12%.
Vision 2040 and National Development Plans prioritise industrial growth, infrastructure expansion, and energy security. Tusiime noted that the country’s ambition to achieve tenfold economic growth within the next decade will depend heavily on access to reliable energy.
“Geothermal energy, as a clean and dependable baseload resource, is strategically positioned to support this vision,” she said. Uganda is grappling with rising electricity demand driven by population growth, urbanisation, and industrial expansion.
At the same time, the country has committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions under its Nationally Determined Contributions aligned with the Paris Agreement. Experts say geothermal energy could help Uganda balance the “energy trilemma” of ensuring security, affordability, and environmental sustainability.
Government estimates place Uganda’s geothermal potential at about 1,500 megawatts for electricity generation and up to 6,000 megawatts equivalent for direct heat use. However, the resource currently contributes little to the national energy mix, which is dominated by hydropower.
Key geothermal sites under exploration include Kibiro in Hoima, Panyimur in Pakwach, Buranga in Bundibugyo, and Katwe in Kasese. Officials say surface studies at these locations have yielded encouraging results.
To support the sector, Uganda has strengthened its regulatory framework, including the Energy Policy 2023, the Mining and Minerals Act 2022, and amendments to the Electricity Act aimed at improving coordination and attracting investment.
A dedicated Geothermal Resources Department established in 2014 is tasked with overseeing exploration and development, with officials noting that this institutional structure is critical in reducing investor risk in a sector known for high upfront costs and long development timelines.
Capacity building remains a key focus, as geothermal development requires specialised expertise in areas such as geology, drilling, and reservoir engineering.Uganda is therefore leveraging regional partnerships, particularly with Kenya, one of the world’s leading geothermal producers, to build technical capacity and share experience.
Institutions such as the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) are playing a role in knowledge transfer. Energy experts warn that financing remains a major challenge, especially during the high-risk exploration phase.
“Geothermal is one of the most reliable renewable sources, but also one of the riskiest in its early stages,” said renewable energy financing expert David Otienno.“Without strong government support and concessional financing, many projects stall before reaching production.”
Unlike solar and wind, geothermal energy provides constant power output, making it particularly suitable for industrial use, including manufacturing and agro-processing.
Uganda aims to develop at least 150 megawatts of geothermal capacity by 2030, with a long-term target of 1,500 megawatts. URN