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Uganda Industrial Research Institute - A lead agency of industrialization in Uganda
UIRI

Technical section

Energy Systems

Energy Systems drives research, innovation and commercialization of renewable energy technologies that support productivity, sustainability and Uganda's industrialization agenda.

Unit profile

Renewable energy research and practical deployment

The Energy Systems Unit at Uganda Industrial Research Institute is dedicated to research, innovation and commercialization of renewable energy technologies that support Uganda's industrialization agenda.

The unit focuses on practical, scalable and sustainable energy solutions that enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact and improve livelihoods.

Mandate

Research, appropriate technology and commercialization

The Energy Systems Unit is guided by objectives that connect research with practical use and industrial application.

Through partnerships and industry-focused research, the unit supports innovations that move beyond the laboratory into practical application for enterprises, communities and the national economy.

  • Research, development, demonstration and deployment of renewable energy technologies
  • Development and acquisition of appropriate technologies and practices for reliable and sustainable energy supply and use
  • Bridging academia, government and the private sector to commercialize renewable energy innovations and research outcomes

Briquette technology

Briquette quality and technology development

The unit conducts research aimed at optimizing production parameters to enhance briquette quality and performance.

Research findings are shared with briquette enterprises, community groups and entrepreneurs through trainings, technical consultancies and exhibitions, strengthening local capacity for market-competitive briquette production.

  • Improvement of raw material selection and preparation techniques
  • Optimization of carbonization and densification processes
  • Design and fabrication of appropriate briquette production technologies
  • Performance testing and quality enhancement strategies

Solar drying

Solar drying technologies for value addition

To address post-harvest losses and improve value addition, the unit promotes advanced solar drying technologies.

Solar drying solutions support agro-processing enterprises by improving product standards and increasing income opportunities, particularly for small and medium-scale processors.

  • Accelerated drying rates compared to traditional open sun drying
  • Improved product quality, hygiene and uniformity
  • Enhanced shelf life of agricultural produce
  • Production of export-grade dried products

Strategic engagement

Training, standards and national energy platforms

Beyond technology development, the Energy Systems Unit contributes to national energy advancement through training, standards participation and policy-oriented platforms.

  • Promotion of Solar Photovoltaic systems through industry training and capacity-building programmes
  • Participation in development of national energy standards with Uganda National Bureau of Standards
  • Engagement in national Waste-to-Energy platforms
  • Training and promotion of improved cook stoves for energy efficiency and reduced indoor air pollution

Impact

Clean energy for inclusive industrial growth

By integrating research excellence with practical deployment strategies, the unit contributes to industrial productivity, environmental sustainability, energy access and efficiency, climate change mitigation, enterprise development and job creation.

The unit remains committed to accelerating Uganda's transition toward clean, affordable and sustainable energy systems that drive inclusive economic growth.