By: Energy capital & power

The Government of Uganda authorised the construction of a 100 MW solar photovoltaic plant with a 250 MWh battery energy storage system in Kapeeka. The facility will be developed by U.S.-based Energy America, with its East Africa subsidiary, EA Astrovolt, serving as lead project developer and execution partner.

EA Astrovolt will manage project development, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement and long-term system performance. Planned infrastructure includes high-efficiency solar modules optimized for tropical conditions, scalable battery architecture for flexible capacity, centralized monitoring and grid-integration readiness.

Under the directive, EA Astrovolt will conduct a feasibility study, with the Electricity Regulatory Authority determining the tariff. A Power Purchase Agreement will be negotiated with Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited. Phase I is intended to anchor future expansion to more than 1 GW of renewable capacity nationwide. Financing options are expected to involve the U.S. EXIM Bank and the International Development Finance Corporation.

Issued under Section 16 of the Electricity Act, the directive marks the launch of Phase I of Uganda’s plan to deploy over 1 GW of solar and storage capacity. The project aligns with Uganda’s economic plan Vision 2040 and the National Energy Policy 2023, targeting universal access to affordable and reliable electricity.

Energy Minister Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu said the development would deliver advanced clean energy technology, create local jobs, enhance skills and reinforce grid resilience.