'Swer (single wire earth return) systems user applications – optimising the use of this cost–effective electrification tool with suitable end-user applications' – the Ugandan case

Abstract

The access to electricity is becoming a major demand in all societies in the developing countries. The declared aim of Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to increase the access to electricity to 10% of Uganda’s population implies the electrification of 40,000 rural household per year, bringing ‘power to the people’. Access to electricity is directly associated with higher levels of living conditions. Individual households, (rural and urban) when provided with electricity have better conditions of cleanliness, health and self-empowerment. Key institutions in society (private, governmental, non-governmental, parastatal) also require electricity to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of their operations and programmes. The introduction of SWER (Single Wire Earth Return) technology has significant merits regarding cost effectiveness to supply electricity to remote areas. This is especially the case where a strong backbone reticulation system is in place to supply high load centres (such as mines and larger towns, water pumping installations). Additional rural settlements and low demand settlements with clinics, schools, hostels, small borehole pumping installations can be adequately supplied with SWER (Single Wire Earth Return) technology.