The Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit have inaugurated its solar photovoltaic (PV) system in Entebbe.
The 607 kWp solar system installed by Azimut360, in Entebbe, will help reduce the units dependence on grid power by 50%.
Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, Director of the MRC/UVRI/LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, noted that the reductions on grid consumption will help the facility free up huge sums of money that can be redirected to research.
He explained that the project aims to increase the renewable fraction of power used for scientific research and operations at the Unit, lower the electricity bills, and guarantee a reliable source of sustainable energy.
Kalebu explained that the project has been phased in 3 stages (phases I, II, and III) to ensure that each phase is financially feasible.
“The solar fractions in the power mix projected after phases I, II, and III are 25, 40, and 70% respectively. Phase I, which involved installation of 1,016 solar panels across the 3 sites, was completed in 2021 followed by phase II in January 2023,” he revealed.
The Director explained that the Solar project with support from The Medical Research Command of the UK cost over ₤2.5 Million equivalent to UGX 12,463,639,525.
UVRI is an internationally recognized centre of excellence for research and training. The Unit was established in 1988 to improve the understanding and control of the HIV epidemic
Elizabeth Kaijuka, Principal Energy Officer at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development, thanked the unit for their visionary initiative in completing the installation of the solar power system across all its three stations in Entebbe, Masaka, and Kyamulibwa.
“This accomplishment truly reflects a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the advancement of medical research.!The significance of this solar project aligns perfectly with the overarching mission of your institutions to conduct groundbreaking medical research in a manner that is not only scientifically rigorous but also environmentally responsible,” said Kaijuka, who represented Energy minister, Ruth Nankabirwa.
She said that the government is dedicated to promoting the optimal development of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems through integrated resource planning and adherence to regulatory standards.
She explained that Institutions like the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, with their substantial energy requirements, play a pivotal role in championing environmentally friendly power solutions.
Kaijuka noted that installations comprising both grid-tied and hybrid systems exemplify versatility and adaptability in harnessing solar energy.
On his part, Matlee the Chief Operations Officer, LSHTM, said through meaningful partnerships and collaborations, they were able to perfectly execute the solar power project, a fantastic way of demonstrating commitment in research and a cleaner environment.
“We want to be champions of a sustainable future and this project, is part of the steps being taken,” he said.
He said the Unit is currently implementing ambitious plans to decarbonize its research and operation activities and make them more sustainable.
According to Azimut360, the Phase II of the project has entailed expansion of the existing solar capacity in Entebbe by installing 513 additional solar panels on the rooftops of MRC buildings available in the South-East area of the UVRI compound.
Furthermore, the energy produced in phase I was consumed directly by the load, for this expansion, to allow usage of excess energy produced during the day in the evening when the cost of the power from the grid is higher, energy storage and control systems have also been installed.
A transformer and Medium Voltage line have been installed to transfer the electricity produced from the rooftops to the main switch room of the MRC facilities.
