Key to enhanced productive use of renewable energy: #Subsidy
What's the key to unlock economic prosperity for Ugandan through agriculture, which is one of the backbones of Uganda economy? The answer ot this question is Renewable Energy Subsidies. Governments of Uganda offer subsidies to encourage renewable energy adoption, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. This however, you only see in policy papers, directives but as you traverse from Lamwo to Kisoro, and from Kotido to Kasese, one will notice that, efforts being made are either by individual families or some NGO like Fundación Ayuda en Acción or World Food Programme trying to change the minsets of the local farmers. So, what is subsidies support and in which renewable: Production: 1. Solar and wind power generation to boost production. 2. Bioenergy and geothermal energy 3. Hydroelectric power Domestic Use: 1. Solar panel installations for homes 2. Energy-efficient appliances and lighting 3. Green building incentives Types of Subsidies: 1. Tax credits 2. Grants and rebates from government 3. Feed-in tariffs (FITs) 4. Net metering 5. Low-interest credit facility from Uganda Development Bank Benefits: 1. Increased renewable energy capacity, hence increased production 2. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, hence improved health and living conditions. 3. Energy independence. Women are more productive. 4. Job creation in renewable sector. More youth/women are employed and improving their living conditions. 5. Lower energy costs for consumers. More savings, improved economy. Skme good pracrices around the glovlbe for governmwnt to benchmark: 1. Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in the US 2. UK's Renewable Obligation Certificate (ROC) scheme 3. Germany's Energiewende (Energy Transition) program. GIZ Uganda can share more lessons learnt and they have been engaging in this sector for a while now. If we want to change this country, let's do the right think. Provide subsidies to Ugandan farmers, the results will be enormous.