EU cash will fund solar lights for fishers
Pending final closing, the Electrification Financing Initiative has announced it is considering private equity investments of €1.5 million to two French firms operating in Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso and Senegal, and $1.5 million to a Tanzanian business operating in Tanzania and Uganda.
Fossils fuels to lead as Africa doubles its energy capacity this decade
Researchers led by Oxford University have put together a comprehensive forecast of energy developments across the African continent up to 2030. Based on analysis of data on more than 3,000 power plant projects across 54 countries, the report predicts a doubling of generation capacity in Africa over the next decade, with fossil fuel projects to represent 60% of the total. Based on this, the authors warn of the need for both the public and private sectors to change to tack to avoid a missed opportunity for renewable energy.
Gambian utility seeks consultants to improve water management with solar and renewables
Gambia’s national utility is seeking proposals for an energy and water audit of its water operations. Selected consultants will assess the possibility of using solar to improve energy efficiency. The utility will consider floating PV, rooftop arrays, and solar pumps.
Mini grids grant could drive 80 MW of new capacity in Africa
A new fund established by the African Development Bank could attract $650 million of private money into the sector, according to the lender.
World Bank lends $200m for South African renewables
The private sector arm of the multilateral development bank has offered a $200 million credit line to Nedbank, the first commercial bank in South Africa to offer a green bond, which it did on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 2019.
Senegal launches tender for 133 mini PV plants
The Senegalese Rural Electrification Agency (ASER) is seeking bids for the construction of 133 mini solar power plants across 177 rural villages.
Solarcentury to install 11.2 MW of solar, 8.5 MW battery at Mozambique mine
Australia’s Syrah Resources has signed a deal with Solarcentury to install 11.2 MW of solar and an 8.5 MW battery storage system at a mine in Mozambique.
Total to build 35 MW solar plant in Angola
The French company will work with Angolan developer Greentech. According to Total, the solar project is in line with Angola’s plan to encourage foreign investment and promote renewable energy sources, with the goal of reaching an installed capacity of 800 MW in the country by 2025.
Somali solar providers can apply for grants from $8.5m pot
Solar distributors and service providers and microfinance businesses which are rolling out PV systems in Somalia and the self-declared Republic of Somalil and have been offered access to grants from development donors.
Crossboundary offers up its mini grids business model for African peers to benefit
The Kenyan financial services business has been developing rural mini grids across Africa and has announced plans to show its rivals how such networks can thrive, in a bid to accelerate access to electricity on the continent.
