Evaluating the Energy Requirements for Uganda: Case for Natural Gas

About 89 percent of Uganda's total primary energy consumption is generated through biomass.With the country aspiring to become an upper middle-income country by 2040, the total energy requirement is estimated to be 41,738 MW.Currently, 2,000 MW are being produced and the energy mix is dominated by biomass.With a population projected to be 85 million by 2040, there is an urgent need to increase on the generation capacity and diversify and introduce new alternative renewable sources of energy supply especially at the household level.This study was conducted to assess the extent of energy requirements and usage in the country and challenges that need to be addressed to enable the country transition to clean, more sustainable energy sources, with the focus on natural gas.The overall aim was to identify potential demand for natural gas and readiness for its use in the industry and household level.227 households were visited and the top 25 energy consuming companies.It was discovered that the average LPG consumption per capita is 0.2 -0.5 kg/year compared to other sub-Sahara countries with an average LPG per capita consumption of 3 kg/year.Even though 22% of the population can afford LPG at the household level, only 0.8-1% use it due to negative attitude, safety concerns, difficult access and the high initial cost of purchasing the cylinders.All industrial stakeholders are eager and ready to take on natural gas to meet their energy needs as long as the cost/benefit analysis is favourable.The natural gas that will be required to produce 550,0000 tpa of liquid steel by 2024 will be 165-176 million Nm 3 per year.The most favourable source of supply of natural gas to Uganda is from Tanzania.