Energy utilization and efficiency in the radio broadcasting sector in Uganda

Abstract

With energy costs soaring across the globe, reducing energy consumption is increasingly a top priority among radio broadcasters, to reduce operating costs while ensuring that energy is used efficiently and sustainably. This project aims to assess and evaluate the energy utilization and efficiency of the radio broadcasting sector in Uganda based on data collected on the energy sources and energy consumption of FM radio broadcasting of the sampled radio stations including Bukedde FM, XFM, Spirit and Bob FM, Radio Simba, Arua One FM, and Radio Pacis. Using the data collected, we calculated the average energy use per broadcast hour for each of the sampled stations which ranged from as low as 1.6 kWh to 18.3 kWh for Voice of Life Uganda and Radio Pacis respectively. Since solar energy has the highest potential and adoption rate compared to other renewable sources, solar resource data was used to model and simulate optimal energy combinations using HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Multiple Energy Resources) Pro software to get an optimal energy mix for the off-grid station as a Hybrid system made up of Solar PV, Diesel generator with a battery energy storage system and a mix of grid and solar PV with a diesel generator as backup for grid-connected radio stations. Simulation results for Koboko Spirit FM as an off-grid scenario show that our optimal hybrid system can produce 98% renewable energy at an ideal LCOE and operating cost of 0.206/kWh and $ 544.92 which is a significant reduction from using only the diesel generator at Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and operating cost of $0.93/kWh and $14,209 respectively. While for grid-connected radio stations, an optimal mix of grid and solar PV with a diesel generator as the backup was simulated and results showed the modeled system at the most optimal LCOE and operating cost of $0.1059/kWh and $ 4,618.37 respectively leading to a renewable fraction of 50% and 60% reduction in annual emissions. A study and review of published literature and reports on FM and the transition to DAB+ was conducted to assess the potential impact of transitioning to digital radio broadcasting technologies (DAB+) in Uganda which concludes that while DAB+ is more energy and spectral-efficient, transition from FM is a gradual process that will require collaboration from all stakeholders and will inevitably involve simulcasting both FM and DAB+ and only a scenario of full switchover from FM to DAB+ would lead to significantly lower energy consumption in the radio broadcasting sector. Therefore, we recommend the radio broadcasting sector in Uganda integrates solar renewable energy in its energy mix for both off-grid and grid-connected stations in addition to upgrading to energy-efficient equipment and technologies, by using energy management systems, FM radio stations can monitor and optimize their energy utilization and efficiency in addition to reducing their environmental footprint while enhancing their operational resilience and cost-effectiveness.