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PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Bujagali Hydropower Project (HPP) is a 250-megawatt power-generating facility proposed for the Victoria Nile River near the Town of Jinja, in Uganda, by Bujagali Energy Limited. It is sponsored by Industrial Promotion Services (Kenya) Limited and SG Bujagali Holdings Ltd, an affiliate of Sithe Global Power, LLC (USA). An associated power transmission system, the Bujagali Interconnection Project, is a separate proposed project sponsored by Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) that will distribute the hydro electricity to the Ugandan power grid.

The hydropower project will produce substantial benefits for Uganda and for citizens living in the area of the facility. We are working closely with government and village leaders to improve the well-being of local residents while preserving their way of life and local cultures. Also, we have consulted with the Kingdoms of Buganda and Busoga to address any cultural and spiritual concerns resulting from the proposed project.

Producing much-needed electricity

Uganda has a severe shortage of electricity, and the country has an acute need for new power sources. Many electricity consumers regularly experience rotating blackouts of up to 12-24 hours daily. This lack of power is negatively affecting the Ugandan economy and its citizens because, in many areas, electricity is being produced by expensive and polluting stand-by power generators.

The planned Bujagali Hydropower Project, will produce an abundant supply of clean, renewable energy for Ugandan homes and businesses. The facility will use the power of falling water from a 30 m high earth-filled dam to generate electricity. Major project components include:

• Power station housing five electric-generating turbines
• Dam and associated spillway
• 388 ha water reservoir, most of which (308 ha) is already covered by the Victoria Nile

As the project sponsor, Bujagali Energy Limited is committed to environmental excellence. See Environmental Responsibility for information about the extensive measures we are proposing to protect the environment in areas affected by the project.

Substantial benefits for Ugandans

The Bujagali Hydropower Project will produce these economic and social benefits:

• Increased supply of reliable electricity
• Lower energy costs
• Improved air quality
• Jobs for Ugandan workers (up to 1,500 new jobs during peak construction)
• Improved community services (e.g., water supply, education and health facilities in nearby villages)

For additional information, click on Economic & Social Benefits

Extensive review underway

Bujagali Energy Limited filed a draft "Social and Environmental Assessment" (SEA) for the hydropower project with the Government of Uganda and prospective project lenders in December 2006. The SEA is undergoing a comprehensive review by Uganda's National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and by prospective lenders including The World Bank, European Investment Bank, and others. The SEA for the associated interconnection project sponsored by UETCL is also under government review (click on Interconnection Project for information on that separate proposal).

The purpose of the SEA process is to ensure the proposed facility is designed and developed to maximize its benefits while minimizing potentially negative social and environmental effects. The project will comply with strict environmental and other regulatory requirements before construction may begin.

Following their extensive review, the Ugandan government and prospective project lenders are expected to render a decision on the draft SEA in early 2007. The Bujagali Hydropower Project is expected to take up to 44 months to construct. The associated interconnection project will be completed prior to the commencement of hydropower facility operations.

Project sponsors

Bujagali Energy Limited is a project-specific company comprised of Industrial Promotion Services (Kenya) Limited and SG Bujagali Holdings Ltd, an affiliate of Sithe Global Power, LLC (USA). See About Us for more information.

In the late 1990s, a similar project was initiated by AES Nile Power Ltd (AESNP). When that company withdrew, the Government of Uganda -- with support from The World Bank -- conducted an international competitive bidding process and selected Bujagali Energy Limited (BEL) as the preferred bidder. BEL is not associated with the previous sponsor (AESNP).

Community involvement invited

Our project team continues to conduct an extensive community engagement program to ensure an open, collaborative review process with interested stakeholders. We have developed and implemented a comprehensive "Public Consultation & Disclosure Program" to: 1) increase community awareness of the proposed project and 2) provide opportunities for community input and involvement. See Public Consultation for more information.

Please click on Documents & Maps for detailed project documents on file with the Government of Uganda and for information on how to comment on the proposed project. The documents may also be viewed at local government offices, libraries in the area or at our offices (addresses follow). Thank you for your interest in the proposed Bujagali Hydropower Project.