Uganda

Green Hydrogen Vision

Uganda is firmly committed to climate and environmental protection by adhering to the Paris Agreement and its ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Uganda is embracing green technologies to transform its agricultural sector and promote sustainable practices as part of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The country aims to position itself as a regional leader in green hydrogen production, leveraging this innovative technology to support its economic and environmental goals. 

Uganda is endowed with a diverse and abundant mix of renewable energy resources, which are distributed across the country and have the potential to transform its energy landscape.  

These resources include: 

• Hydropower: Uganda has an estimated hydropower potential of 2,000 MW, primarily driven by its large river systems, including the Nile. This makes hydropower a cornerstone of Uganda’s energy generation capacity. 

• Biomass: The country has approximately 460 million tons of biomass standing stock, with a sustainable annual yield of 50 million tons. Biomass cogeneration potential is estimated at 1,650 MW, providing energy production and waste management opportunities. 

• Solar Energy: With an average solar radiation of 5.1 kWh/m² per day, Uganda has vast potential for solar energy generation. This resource is particularly suitable for rural electrification and off-grid energy solutions. 

• Geothermal Energy: Uganda has an estimated geothermal potential of 450 MW, particularly in regions with volcanic activity and hot springs, such as the western Rift Valley. 

National Strategy

Uganda is yet to come out with a national green hydrogen strategy. However, the production of green hydrogen-based fertiliser is at the heart of Uganda’s green hydrogen initiatives. This project is designed to address the critical needs of the agricultural sector while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  

Capacity Targets

Locally produced green hydrogen offers transformative benefits: 

• Empowering Farmers: By providing affordable, sustainable fertiliser, Ugandan farmers can enhance their productivity and reduce dependency on costly imports. 

• Boosting Food Security: Improved agricultural yields contribute to national and regional food security. 

• Supporting Other Sectors: The development of green hydrogen also has the potential to catalyse advancements in mobility, power generation, and industrial processes. 

Impact Targets

Uganda is positioning itself as a pioneer in green hydrogen production in the region. By integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainable development, the country is addressing immediate challenges in agriculture and paving the way for long-term growth across multiple sectors. Uganda’s green hydrogen initiatives represent a bold step toward achieving its climate goals, supporting its farmers, and fostering a resilient, sustainable economy. 

Policy Spotlight and Financing

1. Green Hydrogen-Based Fertilizer Production 

   Project Partners: Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), Westgass Internasjonal, Norfund 
   Project Size: $400 million investment 
   Location: Karuma, Kiryandongo District, near the 600 MW Karuma Hydropower Plant 

   Project Goals: 

   Produce 200,000 tons of green hydrogen-based fertilizer annually 
   Reduce reliance on imported fertilizers 
   Avoid over 200,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year 

   Project Impact: 

   Empower farmers with affordable, locally produced fertilizer 
   Enhance food security and agricultural productivity 
   Create over 300 direct jobs and numerous indirect opportunities. 

2. Green Hydrogen Power Plant 

   Project Partners: HDF Energy, Uganda's Ministry of Energy 
   Project Size: First hydrogen power plant in Uganda 
   Location: To be announced 

   Project Goals: 

   Provide a stable, clean energy supply using hydrogen storage 
   Reduce dependency on diesel power generation 

   Project Impact: 
   Support Uganda’s renewable energy targets 
   Create sustainable energy solutions for domestic and industrial use 

Government Green Hydrogen Lead

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD)