adminPARIS. — Uganda could go to using almost 100 percent clean renewable energy by 2050, according to a report published Monday by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), based on presently available technologies.
The report, which is the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, sets out a roadmap that would enable the country to sensibly transition to using more than 90 percent renewable energy by 2050.
The landmark study comes at the start of the second week of 2015 UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) talks in Paris, where the official theme for the day is renewable energy. It sets out the pathways that can lead to a 100 percent renewable energy future, in the areas of social, infrastructural and economic development, through the provision of modern energy services for urban and largely rural populations in the country.
The WWF said in the report that the purpose of this report is to highlight to all Ugandans that a renewable energy future is not only possible, but perhaps the most appropriate path to take towards the transformation of Uganda’s energy sector.
Commenting on the report, head of WWF’s Global Climate and Energy Initiative Samantha Smith said: “Last week, African heads of state announced a plan for a gigantic renewable energy initiative that could transform the continent. This report shows that Uganda could play a big role in helping to drive forward that initiative. It also underlines the positive role renewables can play in addressing poverty and improve energy access.”
Stephan Singer, WWF’s director of Global Energy Policy, said: “Embracing renewable energy is not just a climate change issue. As this report shows, this is also about improving peoples’ health, creating jobs, and improving access to energy for the poor. It is clear that developing countries like Uganda are well placed to take a lead on renewable energy development in Africa.” — Xinhua.
Online Reporter