Energy minister, Prof Sospeter Muhongo, said at the launch of the initiative yesterday that such pledges from foreign sources complement the government budget of Sh1.2 trillion for rural electrification projects countrywide.

 

The donors are the European Union which pledged 108 million Euros, the African Development Bank ($100 million), Nordic countries ($300 million) and the World Bank ($300 million).

 

"The government is strongly committed to embark on renewable energy projects in line with the UN declaration of 2011 with Sustainable Development Goal number 7, emphasising on all countries in the world to embark on renewable energy development for mitigating the effects of climate change," said Prof Muhongo.

 

The minister said the giant rural electrification project will begin this month as the funds are available to carry out the schemes.

 

"On September 30, this year, we invite investors in rural energy projects," the minister said.

 

"There are three objectives for this initiative. We want to, among other things, improve energy services, double the level of energy efficiency and make renewable energy contribute significantly to the energy mix programme," said Prof Muhongo shortly after launching the initiative.

 

He said the country energy efficiency should be double by 2024.

Source : allafrica.com