Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has issued a license to ARPE Limited, trading as PAC S.p.A, for the generation and sale of 83 MW of electricity across River Achwa in Pader and Gulu Districts. This follows the company’s application for a license submitted to ERA in March 2014, which was considered by the Authority at its 234th meeting, held on July 30, 2014.
The license becomes effective on 19 August 2014 and is valid for a period of 40 (forty) years, including the construction period, during which ARPE Limited will construct, own and operate two hydropower plants.
The Authority’s decision was supported by the consideration that ARPE Limited possesses the technical and financial capacity required to undertake the project, which once commissioned, will add 83 MW of electricity to the national grid. ARPE Limited has also obtained approval for environmental and social impact assessment studies for its projects from the National Environment Management Authority; water permits from the Directorate of Water Resource Management; and land for the hydropower plants.
In July 2014, ERA held a Public Hearing in respect of ARPE Limited’s application for license, at Angagura Primary School, Angagura Sub-County, Aruu County in Pader District. The ERA Chairman, Mr. Richard S. Apire, presided over the Public Hearing during which the public, cultural and District Local Government leaders of Pader and Gulu Districts expressed support for the hydropower project.
