Powering Uganda's Clean Energy Future: Biomethane Technology and Innovation for Clean Cooling in Rural Uganda (BioCool)

Partners: University Of Leeds

Country: Uganda

Technology: Sustainable cooling

Stage: Early

Stage: Round 10

In Uganda, it was estimated that around 2.5 million people would not have enough food in 2023, with this figure likely increasing year on year. Roughly 10% of rural populations have access to electricity, which makes it hard to use efficient irrigation systems and storage in agriculture. This leads to post-harvest losses and exacerbates food insecurity.

However, improved cooling systems can tackle these problems and enable better food security. AD produces biomethane, a low-cost and low-carbon fuel that works well for rural, off-grid communities. With biomethane, we can power cold storage units, providing a reliable means of preserving perishable goods. Notably, biomethane production is versatile as various organic materials, such as animal manure and market waste, can be used.

Uganda is one of the few countries using AD technology to provide household cooking and electrification in sub-Saharan Africa, though insufficient feedstock supply and operating maintenance limit adoption and long-term application efforts.
The BioCool project aims to introduce a new Energy as a Service (EaaS) model to tackle this issue by guaranteeing access to reliable, affordable, low-carbon fuel. This model shifts responsibilities to energy providers and ensures customers only pay for the fuel they consume.