Renewable energy company AMEA Power has energized the dedicated substation for its 24 MWp Ituka solar project in Uganda’s West Nile region, bringing the first utility-scale, grid-connected solar plant in the area closer to commercial operations.

The activation of the 25 MVA, 132/33 kV substation allows the project to generate and transmit electricity to Uganda’s national grid as construction and commissioning progress.

Project to strengthen Uganda’s renewable energy capacity

Located on a 52-hectare site in Ombachi village, Madi Okollo District, about 450 kilometers from Kampala, the project was developed through AMEA Power’s Ugandan subsidiary, Ituka West Nile Uganda Limited.

The solar facility will connect to the Lira-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua 132 kV transmission line operated by Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited, which is also the project’s off-taker under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

Once fully commissioned, the plant is expected to generate approximately 53,940 MWh of clean electricity annually, providing power to more than 190,000 households and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 26,600 tonnes each year.

$19 million financing supports project development

The project has secured a $19 million debt package from the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund, supporting construction and development of the solar facility.

Payment guarantees from the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance under its Regional Liquidity Support Facility are also supporting the project’s financial structure.

The financing underscores the role of development finance institutions and risk-mitigation mechanisms in enabling renewable energy projects in African markets.

AMEA Power targets wider community impact

Beyond electricity generation, AMEA Power is implementing community development initiatives around the project aimed at delivering longer-term social and economic benefits in Uganda’s West Nile region.

The programs include education support, local skills development and initiatives promoting gender equality.

With the substation now energized, the Ituka project has moved closer to full commercial operation and is positioned to expand renewable electricity supply in a region where grid-connected solar generation remains limited.