The most predominant source of energy in Lira District is wood fuel. Nearly 98% of household depend on wood fuel as the source of domestic energy. However Hydro electricity and fossil fuel are also used. The use of solar energy is already taking root

Energy endowment of Lira District

No Energy Source Percentage use Comments
1 Wood fuel 92 Mostly used for cooking and lighting
2 Fossil Fuel 3 Used in lighting, running small scale industries and motor vehicles
3 Hydro Electricity 3 Used is industries, lighting and cooking
4 Thermal 0
5 Solar 2 Mostly used for lighting

Investment Plan
The sector intends to carry out awareness on the different sources and us of energy in the district. The sector also intends to promote the use of Renewable energy and energy efficient Technologies in the District.
Energy awareness campaigns continue to be implemented at various levels and using various meant that includes radios; community outreaches, workshops, seminars amongst others.
Ecosystems approach to management continues to be used to manage the wetlands and forest reserves including those on public lands

POCC Analysis
Potential
– Established District Energy Office under the Technical Support from GIZ
– Strong political willingness for environmental conservation
– Decentralized management of energy to the District leadership
– A number of Energy policies, laws, regulations and guidelines are in place to regulate access to and the use of environmental resources

Opportunities
– Government continues to recognize the linkages between sustainable development and Renewable Energy and energy Efficiency.
– More NGOs, UN Agencies and CBOs are becoming active in areas of environmental and energy conservation
– Up to 6 Local FM radios and 2 TV stations exist that could be used to reach out to communities with energy conservation and efficient use messages
– Mainstream energy issues in all plans, policies, and programmes to be implemented in the district
Challenges
– Low understanding of the linkage between renewable energy and energy efficiency to sustainable development by local communities.
– Low prioritization and financial support for energy efficiency and renewable energy use.
– Lack of income generating activities and alternatives for local communities attributed to looming poverty
– Few staff to guide communities on energy related concerns.
Constraints
– Population increase continue to put pressure on the existing environmental resources
– Lack of alternative sources of livelihood and income generating activities makes communities completely dependent on exploiting environmental resources especially for charcoal burning
Poor adoption of energy efficient technologies by communities