Uganda approves 250 MWh co-located BESS project led by Energy America-owned subsidiary

A major solar-plus-storage has been approved by the Government of Uganda, with the project set for Kapeeka Sub‑County, Nakaseke District, approximately 62 kilometers northwest of Kampala. The 100 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant integrated with a 250 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project will be delivered by U.S.-based Energy America, and its regional subsidiary EA Astrovolt will serve as lead developer and execution partner.

The 100 MWp solar and 250 MWh battery storage project will deploy high-efficiency solar modules and utility-scale energy storage systems. Engineered for tropical and equatorial conditions, the proposed technology aims to optimize for grid stability, off-peak power delivery, and operational resilience in demanding environments.

The approval, issued via Gazetted Policy Direction under Section 16 of the Electricity Act (Cap. 157), initiates Phase I of Uganda’s national plan to deploy more than 1 GW of solar-plus-storage infrastructure. The project aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Energy Policy 2023, which prioritize universal access to affordable, reliable electricity. 

“This policy direction represents a bold step toward realizing our Vision 2040 and achieving the goals of the National Energy Policy 2023,” said Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development. Uganda Vision 2040 is a 30-year strategic development plan aiming to transform Uganda from a predominantly low-income country to a competitive upper middle-income country, with the premise tied to principles of a green economy.

“By partnering with Energy America and EA Astrovolt, Uganda will harness world-class clean energy technology, foster local employment and skills development, and accelerate our transition to a modern and resilient electricity system.”

Project structure and commitments 

Under the terms of the Gazetted Policy Direction, EA Astrovolt will lead the project’s feasibility study, while Uganda’s Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) will determine the applicable tariff. A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) will be negotiated with the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL). 

Zoheb Khan, president of EA Astrovolt Africa, stated that the project was a milestone in U.S.-Uganda bilateral economic and energy cooperation. 

“This is a model of bilateral cooperation in action — American innovation meeting Ugandan ambition. EA Astrovolt is proud to manage this transformative project and align it with Uganda’s energy sovereignty goals,” said Khan.