THE RENEWABLE ENERGY DEPARTMENT (RED)

Transcription

1 THE RENEWABLE ENERGY DEPARTMENT (RED) Development of a National Biomass Energy Strategy (NBEST) for Uganda The process of developing NBEST was concluded in September, 2014 and strategy was successfully launched in November, NBEST provides a comprehensive long term framework for sustainable management and utilization of biomass resources in meeting the country s energy needs. It integrates both the demand and supply side of biomass and provides short term Action Plan for the sustainable biomass energy production and use in Uganda. The strategy will guide systematic implementation of all interventions in Uganda s biomass energy sub sector. Development of Legislation on Biofuels Production, Blending and Utilization The proposed legislation which is yet to be tabled before parliament seeks to promote and regulate the production and utilization of biofuels (organic liquids like alcohol or fatty acids which are produced from agricultural crops and they can be used by themselves or blended with petrol or diesel to run motor vehicle engines or power plants). The principles to be embodied in the Bill on biofuels production, blending, and utilization were approved by Cabinet in Drafting instructions were then given to the First Parliamentary Counsel to prepare the Bill on biofuels based on the principles approved by Cabinet. The draft Biofuels Bill, 2015 was prepared by the office of the Attorney General in line with the principles originally approved by Cabinet. The objectives of the Bill are; i) To create a conducive environment for the development and management of biofuels for both power production and for the transport sector. ii) To promote the sustainable production of biofuels resulting in social, economic and environmental benefits and increased rural incomes. pg. 1

2 iii) To ensure the availability of alternative and renewable clean energy with due regard to natural ecosystems, biodiversity and food security in the country; and iv) To increase the reserve base of Uganda s indigenous oil and gas resources through fuel substitution. The draft Bill was recently approved by Cabinet in its session of 6 th May, 2015 and will be tabled before parliament for debate and enactment into law. Promotion of Bio gas Technology The Ministry has been promoting bio gas technology at house hold and institutional level. Institutional Bio gas Systems (bio latrines) The Ministry hired a contractor (Green Heat Limited) to construct 10 bio latrine systems in 10 educational institutions to demonstrate the management of human wastes by generating bio gas as a source of energy to partly substitute fire wood which is exclusively used for cooking. The bio latrine technology is also aimed at improving the hygiene and sanitation as well as space challenges associated with construction and use of pit latrines. The beneficiary schools are following: i) Kitagobwa Secondary School - Butambala District ii) Waggwa High School, Lukaya Karungu iii) Ntare School Mbarara District iv) Asinge SSS - Tororo District v) St. Paul s College, Mbale - Mbale vi) Hamdan Girls SS - Mbale vii) Mbarara High School Mbarara viii) Teso College, Aloet - Soroti pg. 2

3 ix) Riness Sen Sch. Wakiso Day and Boarding - Wakiso x) St. Theresa Kisubi Girls P/S - Wakiso The construction of all the systems is now complete and they are producing gas (Methane). Excavation works for the gas pipe line Replaced latrines Complete system at Teso College, Aloet Flame testing at St. Theresa Domestic Bio gas Systems The Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to set up 10 demonstrational household systems within the City to demonstrate management of animal waste by generating bio gas as a source of energy for cooking. The by-product (known as bio slurry) is also a very good organic fertilizer. 10 urban farmers were carefully selected to benefit from this initiative. A contractor was hired to construct the bio gas systems and excavation is already complete and materials delivered on site. pg. 3

4 Animal waste at one of the sites (a challenge being addressed by the Ministry) Construction of Institutional Saving Cookstoves in Selected Educational Institutions in Uganda Educational Institutions are characterized by big catering requirements. They are not only big consumers of energy but also depend heavily on biomass fuels. These institutions consume approx. 210,000 Cum of wood/annum, and rank third to the household sector in terms of biomass energy consumption. These institutions rely on commercial woodfuel which is obtained by felling live trees, hence a cause of adverse environmental consequences. In almost all cases, the process of converting wood into useful energy (heat) is accomplished by use of inefficient technologies, leading to substantial energy losses. The Ministry is, therefore, promoting the use of institutional saving stoves with special interest in educational institutions. MEMD contracted Prime Energy and Environment Savers (PEES) to construct 12 Improved cook stoves (twin size: 200 litres and 100 litres) in selected educational institutions in the mid-north and western regions. An additional 12 cooking systems were contracted out to BBS Energy Construction Ltd targeting schools in central and south-western Uganda. The demonstration units were successfully installed in the targeted educational institutions. These units will demonstrate the efficacy of the new technology among schools in their respective areas. pg. 4

5 Inefficient Cook stoves at Masindi Army Secondary School Interaction between MEMD officials and contractor at Lango College, Lira The Ministry has realized the biggest multi-plier effect at Jinja Secondary School and English Media P.S where the management of these schools have replaced all the old inefficient cooking sysytems with the new stove technology. According to information obtained from JInja S.S, the school s fuelwood consumption has reduced from 27 lorryloads (TATA MAKE) of firewood a term to between 12 to 13 after replacement of the inefficient cooking systems. Ntare School and King Solomon s College are also in the process of replacing all their ineffiecient stoves with new ones. The majority of the remaining beneficiaries have promised to replace the existing inefficient systems over time using a phased approach. pg. 5

6 Development of National Biogas Standards One of the major barriers hampering the adoption of biogas technology has been lack of standards and regulations for the biogas sub-sector. To address this challenge, the Ministry in partnership with Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) initiated the process of developing national standards for domestic biogas. Biogas standards were reviewed from countries like Kenya, Nepal and India to inform and guide the development of Uganda s draft standards. Six (6) draft standards have so far been developed for further discussion and input by key stakeholders and industry players. The draft standards focus on the following areas: 1. Domestic biogas lamp Specifications; 2. Domestic Biogas Stoves Specifications and Design; 3. Design and construction of domestic biogas plants Code of practice- General; 4. Design and construction of domestic biogas plants Code of practice- Fixed dome; 5. Design and construction of domestic biogas plants Code of practice- Balloon type; 6. Terms and Definitions Several technical committees have been constituted to discuss the different draft standards. These committees are composed of experts, policy makers and industry practitioners drawn from institutions including Uganda National Renewable Energy Association, MAAIF, NEMA and development partners. Other key players such as biogas stove builders and importers of biogas-related accessories have also been deliberately involved in the formulation process. The draft standards are still under discussion and review by the relevant stakeholders and the Final Draft will be presented to a wider national stakeholder meeting in July, Green Charcoal Project This is a 4-year project financed by Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNDP, to the tune of US $ 3.48 million under GEF Country Allocation Cycle - 5. The project is implemented by MEMD in partnership with 4 district local governments as well as National Forestry Authority (NFA) and Forestry Sector Support Department (FSSD). pg. 6

7 The overall objective of this project is to secure multiple environmental benefits by addressing the twin challenges of unsustainable utilization of fuelwood (including charcoal) and poor land management practices common in Uganda s woodlands through technology transfer, enhancement of the national policy framework and promotion of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) practices. The project involves piloting low carbon emission sustainable charcoal production technologies and broader sustainable land and forest management practices in the four districts of Mubende, Kiboga, Nakaseke and Kiryandongo. These districts are part of the cattle corridor where charcoal production and trade is a dominant economic activity and a major source of income and livelihood. In order to overcome the main barriers and transform the current charcoal production practices into a sustainable model, this project has 3main components: I. Dissemination of appropriate technologies for sustainable charcoal production such as retorts and improved kilns in 4 charcoal-producing districts (Mubende, Kiboga, Nakaseke and Kiryandongo). II. III. Strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders in SFM and SLM best practices (such as the plant coppices) and establishment of sustainable woodlots. Establishment of an optimal policy and regulatory framework for ensuring sustainable charcoal production and trade in Uganda. Achievements a) Launching of the project and commencement of implementation in November, b) Set up of the Project Management Unit (PMU) and other management structures; Project Board and Technical Committee are fully constituted. The PMU is equipped with necessary IT appliances and 2 project vehicles. pg. 7

8 c) MoUs and collaborative agreements finalized with all the Responsible Partners; NFA, FSSD, Nyabyeya, and the four project districts; Kiboga, Kiryandongo, Mubende and Nakaseke. The MOUs were cleared by the Solicitor General s Office in February, d) Raising of awareness in all project districts through district entry meetings and targeted live radio talk shows through local FM stations to enlist support and buy-in by all stakeholders. e) Enrolment of 399 beneficiaries to be targeted for Sustainable Forestry Management interventions (woodlot establishment) in f) Support to 4 District Local Governments; 4 motorcycles were procured and allocated to each participating district. Furniture and IT equipment are also being procured for further support to the districts. Challenges: a) Delays experienced in start-up processes such as; clearing and signing of MoUs, procurement of project equipment and opening of project bank account. b) High expectations among communities. Retort kiln (One of the technologies being promoted) Development of NAMA (Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions) on Promotion of the Use of Efficient Institutional Stoves pg. 8

9 The energy sector is a big Green House Gas (GHGs) emitter. Emissions arise mainly from combustion of fuels including biomass. The other big GHG emitting sectors include transport, waste and agriculture. Under the national Low Emissions Capacity Development programme (LECB) which is implemented by the Climate Change Department, MEMD was selected along with other sectors to develop NAMAs for possible financing and support under the Green Climate Fund. Eight NAMA concepts from the prioritized sectors have so far been developed. Through a highly consultative process, the MEMD NAMA concept on: Promotion of the Use of Efficient Institutional Stoves in Educational Institutions has been prioritized as a flagship NAMA in the energy sector and in Uganda as a whole. Scope of the NAMA This NAMA intends to reduce emissions through the promotion of the use of improved energy efficient cook stoves in educational institutions at all levels in the different regions of Uganda. It is estimated that up to 4,200 institutions with boarding facilities will benefit. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will be reduced because the efficient cook stoves require less woodfuel (up to 50%) to generate the same amount of heat energy required for cooking using the traditional open fire system. The NAMA will address barriers related to technology, investment, lack of knowledge and capacity, regulatory failures that have hampered widespread adoption of improved technologies in institutions with big catering needs. The NAMA will result in significant co-benefits (economic, social and environmental benefits) and fulfils sustainable development goals and principles. The concept has now been upgraded to include other sustainable energy solutions and prioritised by the government for further elaboration and implementation. It is expected to attract over U.S $ 4.2 million of climate financing. Development of a Standardized Baseline on Improved Institutional Cook stoves pg. 9

10 GIZ supported the development of a standardized baseline (SBL) for improved institutional cook stoves in Uganda. The baselines will help lower the initial investment costs for CDM project developers whose projects are focused on institutional cook stoves and also provide crucial information required during the implementation of the NAMA on improved institutional cook stoves. The proposed SBL has been submitted by the Ugandan Designated National Authority (Climate Change Department) to the UNFCCC Standards Setting Unit for initial assessment. Development of Market Structures a) In an effort to support the private sector, PREEEP has offered technical and organizational support to the establishment of BEETA a (Biomass Energy Efficient Technology Association) an umbrella body of private sector operators, individuals and institutions dealing mainly in improved biomass cook stoves and biomass-based fuels. BEETA has been further consolidated by the support of a development worker from GIZ who is assisting BEETA to develop its service portfolio under which development of technical and entrepreneurial training modules are being developed for the biomass sub-sector. b) The Clean Cook stove and Fuels (Clean Cooking Solutions) Sector Alliance The Ministry in partnership with GIZ has played a central role in the establishment of the Uganda National Clean Cooking Alliance (UNACC), an alliance that constitutes more than 100 entities (public and private entities, development programs and projects, national and international NGOs, higher learning and research institutes and individuals that are engaged in or are interested in clean cooking solutions. In addition to hosting and supporting the secretariat, PREEEP has also accomplished the following: i) Supported UNACC in development of a proposal for a market development campaign; pg. 10

11 ii) iii) Supported UNACC to develop minimum performance requirements guideline for household solid biomass cook stoves; and Preparations are underway to start a stove testing and certification campaign. Stove Market Development - Technical and marketing support to 3 private sector stove companies - Creation of market linkages and marketing and awareness support for energy service providers in West Nile and Lango Sub Regions - Technical training for energy service providers in Lango Sub Region in cooperation with partner organizations. The number of stove categories disseminated under this initiative are presented in the table below: Table: Dissemination of Stoves - July, 2014 to date Stove category Number disseminated Household 7,293 Productive use 12 Institutional 67 WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY Study of the wind regime in Karamoja Region The contract for the supply and installation of the wind measuring equipment was signed with M/S Trans Africa Uganda Ltd. Installation of the equipment is scheduled to commence in May, 2015 at the selected sites of Napak and Kotido District headquarters. Demonstration of small wind turbines for electricity generation Seven (7) small wind turbine demonstration systems (200 watts and 1000watts) for electricity generation were successfully installed in various parts of the country. The pg. 11

12 beneficiary districts included: Kaberamaido, Napak, Buyende, Kotido, Namayingo and Mityana. The systems are in good operating conditions. Rehabilitation of the non-functional Wind mills in Karamoja Region There over thirty (30) non-functional wind mills for water pumping in Karamoja that have not been working for over 10 years. The Ministry conducted a survey of all the wind mills and successful restored one (1) wind mill at Kotido Church of Uganda Diocese to its normal working condition. Studies are on-going to rehabilitate 5 more wind mills in the next Financial Year. Church of Uganda, Kotido Wind Mill Technical support for the non-functional PV solar systems in Nebbi district The Ministry conducted an on-spot assessment of failed institutional solar PV systems in 4 sub-counties in Nebbi District. Trouble shooting of the systems was carried out and technical guidance given to the leaders on the operation and maintenance of the systems. Support to Lira hospital on solar water heating system The Ministry assessed the solar water heating systems at the hospital and established a technical problem in the distribution of hot water in the wards and this was brought to the attention of the hospital management for rectification. pg. 12

13 Support to Lira hospital on solar water heating system Identification of Pico-hydro sites 100KW for development Field surveys were conducted in Kasese region and 5 potential Pico -hydropower sites namely; Kithabona, Ibunda, Murambwa, Kyamozi and Kiliyo were identified. The Ministry is in the process of engaging the communities for their possible development. pg. 13