Promotion of Non-Conventional Energy Use Among Small Scale Industries in Uganda: Adoption Rate and Environmental Impact Measurements

Non-conventional energy use in small scale industries (SSIs) is crucial for sustainable development in Uganda, where traditional fossil fuels are often expensive and environmentally damaging. A mixed-methods approach was employed involving both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from SSI owners across Uganda’s major regions. The survey revealed that solar power adoption is the most prevalent at 45%, followed by biogas at 30%. These technologies significantly reduce carbon emissions, with a notable decrease of 21% in CO2 compared to conventional energy sources. While non-conventional energy use shows significant promise for environmental sustainability, further research is needed on long-term cost-effectiveness and infrastructure development. Government incentives should be introduced to encourage broader adoption of solar power and biogas technology among SSIs in Uganda.