Uganda wants to put floating solar plants in the reservoirs of its many hydroelectric dams (Courtesy of Sweco)

Uganda’s electricity company has awarded Stockholm-headquartered engineering firm Sweco a $710,000 contract to design a pilot solar power plant of the sort that could float in the reservoirs of the country’s hydroelectric dams, which provide most of its electricity.

Working with two consultancies from France and Germany, Sweco will assess four dams to determine the most suitable one for a floating solar plant, conduct a detailed feasibility study, and design the pilot plant.

The study will address financial and environmental aspects to support investment decisions.

“This is a new technological field that is highly attractive for power companies, private investors and financiers,” said Conny Udd, Sweco Sweden’s division manager for energy.

“The energy sector is conducting an increasing number of innovative projects and Sweco has great ambitions to participate in international initiatives to contribute to the green transition,” he added.

The project starts immediately and is planned to last for 21 months.

It is funded by financed by Swedfund, Sweden’s development finance institution, and Sweco’s role was agreed between the governments of Sweden and Uganda.

Further reading:

• Singapore switches on massive floating solar farm
• SK tipped to build 200MW floating solar farm in South Korea