Sugarcane Bagasse Fuels Uganda's Clean Energy Revolution

Uganda’s sugar industry is leading a shift towards clean energy by converting bagasse—the dry residue from crushed sugarcane—into electricity. Once a low-value byproduct, bagasse now powers factories and homes through advanced cogeneration systems.

At Kakira Sugar Works in Jinja, cane yard supervisor Julius Akiziman explains the process: bagasse burns in boilers to create high-pressure steam, which spins turbines connected to generators. The steam is then condensed and recycled, maximizing efficiency. Excess power syncs with the national grid, benefiting nearby communities.

Kaliro Sugar, part of the Modern Group, generates 12MW from bagasse—5MW for internal use and 7-9MW for the grid. Manager Deep Dhola calls it ‘turning waste into wealth,’ highlighting its low emissions compared to coal plants.

Experts like retired technologist David Kafuku note that factories have long been self-sufficient but now export more power. Kinyara Sugar’s Michael Mugabira emphasizes cogeneration’s dual benefit of heat and electricity production.

Modern Group’s chairperson Ashish Monpara plans 100MW total capacity across factories like Kaliro, Modern, and Kassanda Sugars to address national power gaps. The group already produces 52MW in Uganda.

The Ministry of Energy aims for 120MW from sugarcane cogeneration. Assistant Commissioner Dr. Patricia Litho outlines plans to scale mills, add projects, and offer incentives like the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff and GET FiT program. Kakira generates 52MW, with Kinyara expanding to 40MW.

This initiative supports economic growth, job creation, and diversification beyond hydropower, while bagasse finds uses in paper and packaging.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)