Practical Action: solar enablers and award winners
The Practical Action non-governmental organisation (NGO) won a Zayed Future Energy Price last week at Abu Dhabi’s Sustainability Week for its work to reduce poverty. The NGO shares its experience of solar PV deployment in the developing world.
Scaling Solar update: Senegal, Madagascar, Ethiopia and Zambia tenders
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) updated the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) last week about solar PV developments in Africa through the IFC’s Scaling Solar program.
Eltek to install solar arrays at over 100 hospitals in Zimbabwe
Norwegian-based power solutions company Eltek is installing the systems as part of the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), with the aim of supplying safe and reliable power to hospital that have poor access to grid electricity in the African country.
IBC Solar opening subsidiary in South Africa
IBC Solar has decided to take the plunge in the exciting South African market, by setting up its own subsidiary in the country with its partner maxx | solar energy, after undertaking a number of projects alongside the company.
Pay to own residential solar reaches 100,000 customers in Uganda
Fenix International, a silicon-valley technology company backed by venture capital, today announced that it has sold its solar financing model to 100,000 residential customers in Uganda.
Construction underway at Burundi’s first utility-scale solar plant
A ground-breaking ceremony took place on Wednesday for the 7.5 MW solar PV plant that is being developed by Gigawatt Global in East African country Burundi, which, once complete, will add 15% to the country’s electricity generation capacity.
d.light secures further USD 10.5 million in funding for off-grid solutions
Off-grid solar solution manufacturer d.light has raised a further USD 10.5 million in funding to expand its operations in Africa and Asia, which brings the company’s total to an impressive USD 40 million in just four months.
PV, micro-grids win the bulk of IRENA funding for developing countries
The fourth round of a joint project facility between Irena and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development that finances renewable energy projects in developing countries has been announced. Solar PV and micro-grid technologies attract the main bulk of funding.
Japan’s Looop signs 40 MW development plan in Kenya
The Tokyo-based PV module supplier has moved forward with the development of its first utility-scale PV plant by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the authorities in Kitui county, roughly 170 kilometres southeast of Nairobi.
Off Grid Electric secures $7.5 million in debt financing
The California-based provider of off-grid solar power in Africa rounded off an excellent 2016 for the company with a further $7.5 million in debt financing and a partnership with Rwanda’s national utility company, off the back of further expansion plans across Africa.
