Can cities become self-reliant in energy? A technological scenario analysis for Kampala, Uganda

Energy self-reliance is important for economic growth and development for any nation. An energy self-reliance technological analysis for Kampala the capital city of Uganda is presented. Three renewable energy sources: Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), solar and wind are assessed for the period of 2014 to 2030. Annual MSW generation will increase from 6.2 × 105 tons in 2014 to 8.5 × 105 and 1.14 × 106 tons by 2030 at 2% and 3.9% population growth respectively. MSW energy recovery yield varies from 136.7 GWh (2014, 65% collection) to 387.9 GWh (2030, 100% collection). MSW can at best contribute 2.1% and 1.6% to total Kampala energy demands for 2014 and 2030 respectively. Wind contribution is 5.6% and 2.3% in those respective years. To meet Kampala energy demands through solar, 26.6% of Kampala area and 2.4 times her size is required for panel installation in 2014 and 2030 respectively. This study concludes that improving renewable energy production may not necessarily translate into energy self-reliant Kampala City based on current and predicted conditions on a business as usual energy utilization situation. More studies should be done to integrate improvement in renewable energy production with improvement in efficiency in energy utilization.