Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and SNV Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) Uganda has launched the Africa Biodigester Component (ABC) project, which aims to boost access to biodigesters for circular agriculture and renewable energy.
The three-year project, running until 2025 targets the installation of at least 8,000 small-scale biodigesters across Uganda, providing energy access for at least 40,000 people.
Speaking during the launch in Entebbe today, SNV Uganda Country Director Phomolo Maphosa said the energy sector is still dominated by solid biomass, mainly firewood and charcoal, which contributes 88.6% of the country’s consumable energy.
‘Biodigesters offer increased benefits in the form of clean energy for cooking, and organic fertilizers for agricultural production, which will mitigate against the effects of deforestation and soil degradation’ she said.
ABC Uganda aims to promote the scaling of biodigester technology towards agricultural value chains, both tangible in terms of increased agricultural production and intangible benefits such as reducing exposure to indoor air pollution, long-term soil improvement, water retention capacity and carbon capture.
To achieve this, the ABC project will adopt information and awareness-raising provision of Business Development Support to biodigester companies and strengthen the biodigester business model for end-users. Furthermore, the project will support Government and Sector Institutions in developing an Enabling Environment that stimulates the involvement of the private sector.