Viability assessment of renewable energy potential for sustainable rural electrification in Bushenyi District, Uganda

This research investigates the viability of solar and wind energy to sustainably address rural energy demands in the Bushenyi District, Uganda. As renewable energy adoption accelerates globally, rural settings present unique challenges and promising opportunities influenced by resource variability, infrastructure limitations, and distinct energy requirements. This research synthesizes assessments of local solar and wind potentials, employing climatic data to guide optimal system designs tailored to peak and average load demands. Mitigating intermittency through energy storage and hybrid system integration, along with modular, scalable configurations, emerges as crucial for enhancing cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and operational reliability. Furthermore, the research examines the socioeconomic benefits of renewable energy access in rural communities, underscoring its capacity to drive economic development, improve access to public services, and strengthen energy resilience. Findings indicate that, with strategic planning and policy backing, renewable energy systems can become a reliable, sustainable solution for off-grid regions, advancing both local empowerment and Uganda’s national energy goals.