National Renewable Energy Platform

Productive Use of Renewable Energy

Empowering livelihoods through clean, sustainable energy

Learn More Explore RA-PURE Hub

Access to Energy, Access to Opportunity

Access to reliable energy is not only about lighting homes—it is about powering opportunity. Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) refers to the application of clean-energy technologies to generate income, improve livelihoods, and strengthen community resilience.

Through PURE initiatives, communities can harness renewable energy for productive activities like agriculture, manufacturing, and digital services—transforming energy access into economic empowerment.

NREP's Role in PURE

The National Renewable Energy Platform supports productive use of renewable energy through four key functions

Policy Alignment

Ensuring PURE initiatives align with national policies and development frameworks for sustainable energy.

Knowledge Management

Sharing best practices, research, and insights across the renewable energy ecosystem.

Partnership Building

Convening stakeholders; government, private sector, and communities for collaborative action.

Capacity Development

Building skills and capabilities to implement and scale PURE solutions effectively.

What is PURE and How It Differs from PUE

Understanding the key distinction between productive use and renewable energy focus

Productive Use of Energy (PUE)

Energy Source

Any source (grid, diesel, solar, etc.)

Primary Focus

Income generation & livelihoods

Example

Diesel-powered maize mill

Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE)

Energy Source

Renewable only (solar, wind, hydro, etc.)

Primary Focus

Income + environmental sustainability

Example

Solar-powered maize mill

PURE Applications

Renewable energy powers innovation across multiple sectors and industries

Agriculture

Solar-powered irrigation, processing, and storage systems for smallholder farmers.

Enterprise Development

Clean energy for small businesses, manufacturing, and artisan production.

Water & Health

Renewable energy powering water pumping, purification, and healthcare services.

Education

Solar systems enabling quality education and digital access in rural communities.

Digital Services

Renewable-powered telecom infrastructure and digital platforms for commerce.

Energy Access

Sustainable electricity for productive use and household consumption.

PURE in Practice

Real-world implementation across Uganda and the global community

  • ✓ SNV Uganda supporting renewable energy entrepreneurs
  • ✓ UECCC driving clean energy uptake in rural areas
  • ✓ CREEC implementing community renewable energy projects
  • ✓ NREP RA-PURE coordinating regenerative agriculture initiatives

Policies Enabling PURE

Key legislative frameworks supporting renewable energy and productive use initiatives

Renewable Energy Policy (2007)

Establishes the framework for renewable energy development and integration in Uganda's energy mix.

Draft Energy Policy (2023)

Updates energy policy to reflect emerging challenges and opportunities in renewable energy sectors.

National Development Plan III (NDP III)

Aligns renewable energy and productive use initiatives with broader national development priorities.

Parish Development Model (PDM)

Promotes community-driven development including renewable energy for income-generating activities.

Climate Change Act (2021)

Mandates climate-resilient development with clean energy as a cornerstone of climate action.

Download the Strategic Plan for the National Renewable Energy Platform (2023 – 2028)

Download Document

Improving the Political Framework for Productive Use of Energy in East Africa with GOGLA

GOGLA, the global association for the off-grid solar energy industry and Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) teamed up to improve the enabling environment for productive use of renewable energy technologies in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Ethiopia. The video explains the policy processes in action and gives an overview of the different stakeholder involved.

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