Assessment of Suitable Areas for Smart Grid of Power Generated from Renewable Energy Resources in Western Uganda

This study assessed suitable smart grid areas for power generation and distribution from solar small hydro energy resources in Western Uganda by employing the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) based on geographic information system (GIS) data. was performed selected economic, environmental, technical criteria authors guided experts’ judgements weighing process. The main also included various sub-criteria. sub-criteria of economic criterion distance transmission lines, topography, to roads. environmental covered land use, sensitive areas, protected areas. were demand centers, available potential (solar hydro), climate (rainfall sunshine). weights calculated using AHP. These then used GIS environment determine both resource According weight results, has highest weight, followed criteria. validation each comparing results AHP with confirmed insignificant differences all obtained have been classified into three parts, that is, South, North, Central. Therefore, this is a one-of-a-kind that, authors’ view, will provide initial insights government, policymakers, renewable practitioners, researchers investigate, map, embrace decarbonization strategies electricity sector Uganda.