Geothermal power can't play a big role in Uganda's green power mix of the future

Several studies done over 40 years ago had estimated that the potential could be near around 450mW, a recent follow-up study using more modern means for research has put this figure around 40 mW. The earlier study had identified Katwe, Buranag, and Kibiro as potential locations for geothermal hot springs power stations.

The funds needed to develop an economically feasible project would lie in the region of 133 million USD at the Bujagali site, which is also home to a 250 mW hydropower project. This would allow for oil powered power plants to be retired. This has become an expensive form of power in the past years as oil prices have soared even though there are plenty of nations in the region such as Nigeria and Angola which have ample oil supplies.

Uganda is currently expected to have demand for electricity grow by 7.6% a year for the coming 13 years. This means that the country has to look at an increasingly diversified mix of bagasse a biofuel sugar can derivative and small hydropower plants to meet demands.