IFC plans investment in 97 Nigerian minigrids
International Finance Corp. (IFC) plans up to $16 million in financing for Nigerian developer Virtuitis to build and operate 97 solar minigrids, connecting more than 140,000 off-grid consumers by 2027.
Ireland earmarks €27 million for energy communities
Ireland is investing close to €27 million ($31 million) in community-based energy projects promoting climate action, including small-scale solar installations around the country. A previous phase of the program allocated a total of €24 million to 650 community projects.
Eswatini runs solar-plus-battery minigrid tender
The energy regulatory authority of Eswatini is searching for a project developer to deliver a solar-plus-battery minigrid facility. The deadline for applications is Dec. 3.
Jordan opens solar tender for public hospitals
Jordan has launched a tender to supply and install solar thermal water heating systems at nine public hospitals, with applications due Nov. 6.
PV-driven desalination system for brackish water
Algerian researchers have built a single-stage solar and battery desalination system for brackish water that uses a hybrid spotted hyena optimizer and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm to improve efficiency. Simulations and real-time tests showed high performance, steady water output, and low salinity under changing solar conditions.
Australian nonprofit launches incubator for mid-scale solar, battery projects
Australia’s Community Power Agency has launched a two-year incubator to provide funding, mentoring and investor connections for local groups developing mid-scale solar and battery storage projects.
DR Congo provides grants for minigrids, solar home systems
The Mwinda Fund is aiming to distribute $500 million in grants for minigrids, solar home systems and clean cooking solutions in DR Congo by 2030. It is already backed by $65 million in funding from the World Bank and $7 million from the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet.
Solar, off-grid systems key to Cameroon’s electrification
An international research team has found Cameroon exhibited a slow but obvious move towards equitable electrification between 2015 and 2024, with an increased focus on distributed renewable energy sources.
The impact of solar minigrids in rural Pakistan
A research team assessing the social embeddedness of solar minigrids in rural Pakistan found the technology responds to energy poverty while fostering empowerment in communities, leading the team to conclude a minigrid can foster broader societal change while providing a technological solution.
Cameroon, Zambia electrify villages with solar
Cameroon and Zambia are implementing government programs that bring solar minigrids to communities without stable electricity access. Cameroon recently switched on two solar installations to power two villages, while Zambia inaugurated four solar minigrids in the country’s central province.
