BGFA Uganda solar off-grid skills development programme

The programme is implemented by RENAC on behalf of Nefco, the Facility Manager for BGFA.

INTRODUCTION

Despite efforts to achieve universal electrification by 2030, it is estimated that nearly 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa alone will still lack access to electricity. These individuals reside in rural and peri-urban areas that are not serviced by the main electricity grid. Off-grid energy solutions, such as mini-grids and solar home systems, provide a cost-effective and reliable alternative to extending the main electricity grid. But the companies and professionals working in this market are facing different kind of hurdles and struggles.

The Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA) programme, managed by the Nefco - the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation aims to address these challenges and contribute to inclusive and sustainable development in its focus countries, including Uganda, where only 28% of the population has access to electricity.

The Ugandan program is supporting the selected private companies so they can:

offer high-quality clean energy services and products
deploy a more sustainable, affordable, and inclusive market
enhance the living conditions of the rural and peri-urban people in the country

Alongside with providing financial incentives to the participating companies to help them expand their business, increasing employment and skills in the off-grid sector in Uganda is a key priority for the BGFA programme. RENAC AG, together with Sendea UG and Inensus are conducting several technical and cross-cutting trainings on solar home systems and solar mini-grids in Uganda.

TRAINING PROGRAM AND TARGET GROUPS

The training programme has been developed based on input received from the participating companies during the inception phase of the training programme. Also, companies contracted through the new funding rounds have been offered the opportunity to join this sub-programme to further develop their businesses. Further professionals with experience in the Ugandan solar field are also invited to participate.

Some first courses have been planned and conducted in the fields of technical, sales and business skills within the area of solar home systems and mini-grids in 2023. A second round of trainings and follow-up activities are foreseen for the upcoming months of 2024.

More information on the following section.

FIRST ROUND OF TRAININGS

The first round of courses has been planned and conducted on different aspects of solar -home-systems and mini-grids, such as best practices on installation, commissioning, testing and remote monitoring. Participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in these areas. They were equipped with the skills to effectively assess and troubleshoot these systems, ensuring their long-term functionality and building confidence within communities adopting renewable energy solutions.

Emphasis was placed not only on technical aspects or skills, but also key soft skills regarding operational, managerial and commercial expertise. Proper upscaling of these job profiles and sharing of successful mini-grid related business cases are seen as a critical factor in the sustainability of solar projects, particularly in remote or challenging locations.

FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES

A new training plan and new materials are currently being developed based on the findings and feedback of the first round of courses. Still with a focus on both SHS and mini-grids, these upcoming courses will deal with new aspects (e.g. e-waste management, business models for DRE...) and also deepen on aspects covered in previous trainings.

More information to come soon.

Testimonials

“My most insightful part was when the trainer, Jens explained further the I-V and Power relationship and demonstrated it practically as we measured the PV module's behaviour in different configurations. I have gained new and advanced on my knowledge. I believe this will greatly improve my work quality and delivery.”

Jaco Wokorach,R&D Associate,Mandulis Energy

“I participated in the program to enrich my skills in solar PV, get to know the safety practices when installing systems and this has helped strengthen my understanding of solar energy systems. I would recommend Renac because of skilling and efficiency in training.”

Emmanuel Muhumuza,Sales Lead Team, SunCulture UG Ltd

“The well thought programs exceeded my expectations. From the 2 trainers all with a wealth of knowledge, introduction to the site Visit in Nsambya, I learned new valuable insights into solar Mini Grids. The training was innovative, informative, and instructive. It expanded our minds and connected us to new Mini Grid Ideas.”

Dan Kalyango,Quality Assurance Manager, D.Light Design

“The hands-on workshops and in-depth sessions on solar technology applications were the most enlightening aspects of the training. This experience has significantly enhanced my professional endeavors by arming me with practical skills that I have already utilized in my role, resulting in more efficient and successful project executions.”

Eric Adweko, BrightLife Uganda

“The most insightful parts were the detailed technical sessions on system design and the practical case studies showcasing real-world applications of mini-grid networks. This experience has equipped me with advanced knowledge and practical skills that I can directly apply to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our solar refrigeration solutions.”

Lukmon Alani,Lead Engineer, Koolboks

Partners and funding

The skills development programme is supported by the BGFA funders:

Facility Manager

Financiers

The trainings are carried out in partnership with Renewables Academy (RENAC) AG in cooperation with Inensus and Ugandan partners Uganda Solar Energy Association (USEA) and Sendea, with the target to reach 300 beneficiaries, of which at least 30% women.