Strategic siting can boost solar development in Africa, says Berkeley Lab
A report from U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) assesses the wind and solar potential of Africa. According to the study, the two technologies can play a major role in the energy economy of the continent, especially if strategic siting and international interconnections are implemented.
GreenWish Partners taps into Nigeria’s solar potential with $280m investment
The Paris-based private renewable power producer focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa has announced it is to invest $280 million in new PV power plants in Nigeria.
RMI calls for ‘action’ on Africa’s PV minigrid market
Solar-powered minigrids could account for a greater slice of sub-Saharan Africa’s $740 million off-grid market, but progress is still needed throughout the region in terms of policy, financing and commercial services, the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) says in a new report.
Burkina Faso: citizens, film festival and country go solar
Financing for two new large-scale PV plants, a 33 MW PV plant under construction and small installations indicate the African country embraces solar technology in order to satisfy its electricity needs.
African Development Bank finances Mali’s first large-scale PV project with $25 million
The government of Mali has secured further funds to build the country’s first large-scale PV project. The 33 MW Segou Solar PV Project will sell power to local utility under a 25-year PPA.
EU supports Africa’s renewable energy and solar development with €300 million
The European Commission has decided to support the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative with €300 million ($317.7 million). The funds are intended to leverage up to €4.8 million ($5 billion) and to help finance 19 renewable energy projects totaling about 1.8 GW.
Developing countries leading the way in sustainable energy policies, finds World Bank report
In scoring the sustainable energy policies of 111 countries, the World Bank finds that nations such as Mexico, China, India and Brazil are emerging as leaders in the field, delivering robust policies that support energy access.
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.
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.
Kenya is keen to expand solar deployment
A survey conducted in Kenya by Vulcan Impact Investing and mini-grid operator Steama.co, found that those who had benefited from solar mini-grids were eager for more solar power, while also highlighting how the technology had weened communities off kerosene and batteries.
