Welcome to the first African Power Platform (APP) newsletter. We are pleased to announce the launch of our project with the hope it will change the power sector in Africa.
The power sector in the Sub-Saharan Africa is not going through a thriving moment. There is a lot of frustration among the stakeholders mostly due to the slowness on the project development cycle. But the market is known for being persistent and resilient and I'm sure we'll be able to manage it. It is also an opportunity for new players to enter the market, with fresh expectations and patience. Please remember that Africa is for marathon runners, not sprinters.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
INTERVIEW: African Power Platform launches to connect players in exciting market. Read the Interview >>
The African Power Platform (APP) is launching this month to bring together energy companies already active on the continent and those planning an entry into this diverse and challenging, but also huge and relatively untapped energy market.
ANGOLA: Angola receives renewable energy grants worth $1m. Read the article >>
The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), managed by the African Development Bank, has approved a $1 million grant to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in Angola, in efforts to encourage private investment in renewable energy.
AFRICA: Progress report on Africa’s hydropower development. Read the article >>
Cristina Diez Santos, hydropower sector analyst at IHA, focuses her work on building and sharing knowledge on sustainable hydropower development. Cristina holds a master’s degree in civil engineering and a master of advanced studies in sustainable water resources from ETH Zurich!
AFRICA: Kibo Energy cuts first-half operating losses and expands its portfolio. Read the article >>
The Africa-focused energy group said it had raised £2.25mln through a placing and share issues during its first half.
AFRICA: Renewable-energy guide offers insight into maturing African markets. Read the article >>
Global law firm DLA Piper has characterised the regulatory environments for renewable-energy projects in 12 African countries in response to developing markets on the continent, says DLA Piper Global cochair of the energy sector Natasha Luther-Jones.
AFRICA: Wind and Solar Farms Could Double Rainfall in Sahara, Scientists Say. Read the article >>
Because the solution is not only in the big projects, here an exciting story about how the will gives path to the way.
ZIMBABWE: Swedish And African Institution Launch Competition To Provide Private Sector With $6.5 Million For Renewable Energy. Read the article >>
The amount of funding that the AECF can award to a single business is between US $100,000 and US$ 1.5 million, although this amount may vary.
A quickview of the changing contribution of electricity generation sources to Kenya's total national capacity, as well as key energy imports and exports from Uganda and Tanzania.
TENDERS
GAMBIA: seeks consultants for solar PV plant advisory. View details >>
Deadline: 4 October 2018 - The National Water and Electricity Company of the Republic of The Gambia is inviting eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the below solar PV consulting services.
GRANTS
Energy Catalyst Round 6 by Innovate UK. More info >>
Deadline: 14 November 2018 - The APP is supporting the Innovate UK to deploy the £10 million Energy Catalyst Round 6, a grant programme designed to address the need for clean, affordable and secure energy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Deadline: 21 October 2018 - The APP is supporting the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket) on the Demo Environment Grant Programme, financed by Swedish Agency for Development Cooperation (Sida) and designed to support international technology transfers into 4 African countries: Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia.
The 2018 Global Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report is the fourth report in a biennial series established over the past 8 years as the report of record for the off-grid solar industry.
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Welcome to the second African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
We continue to bring you the latest news in the African power market, excited by the overwhelming supportive messages the first newsletter brought our way. Thank you for feedback.
Feel free to make use of this initiative to share your company news, business opportunities, events and relevant reports you come across.
The APP is here to serve the industry and help Africa to get brighter.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
SIERRA LEONE: Akon brings his solar power project to Sierra Leone. Read the article >>
Senegal’s international music star Akon is planning a solar investment programme for Sierra Leone as part of plans to support the government of president Julius Maada Bio.
JCM Matswani Solar Corp Limited has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi Limited (ESCOM) for a 60 MW solar PV project.
NIGERIA: Brief guide to financing decentralised renewables market. Read the article >>
By Power For All’s Chibuikem Agbaegbu, the Nigerian Lead Market Access, and Ifeoma Malo, the Nigerian Country Campaign Director.
GHANA: $1.5m grant to assist renewable energy investment drive. Read the article >>
The African Development Bank has approved a $1.5 million grant from its Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), to assist Ghana’s renewable energy investment drive.
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has committed $25m in financing to the Solar Energy Transformation Fund, which will provide loans to companies developing off-grid solar products and solutions for the millions of people in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
KENYA: pushes back plans for Sh968bn nuclear power plant to focus on renewables. Read the article >>
Kenya’s Ministry of Energy has released an updated power development plan, unveiling the nation’s energy strategy between 2017 and 2037.
The Kinyerezi II power project which will contribute an additional 240MW to Tanzania’s national power grid, is due for completion next month.
AFRICA: HydroPower Dominates Africa’s Renewables But Over 80% Of Its Potential Remains Untapped. Read the article >>
Micro-hydropower systems and large-scale grid-connected hydropower plants take the largest share in Africa’s renewable energy mix. As of 2010, hydropower represented 21% of Africa’s total installed energy capacity*. In 2013, the proportion of hydropower in the continent’s renewable energy mix was about 84%.
TENDERS
ZAMBIA: GET FiT Zambia invites bids for small hydro tender. View details >>
In collaboration with the Ministry of Energy (MoE) and other Zambian government stakeholders, GET FiT Zambia is actively creating the framework for Round 2 of the program, the 100 MW GET FiT Zambia Small Hydro Tender. In line with the REFiT Strategy, this tender will support the development of small hydro projects up to 20 MW of installed capacity.
MAURITIUS: Ministry of Energy invites bidders to conduct energy use surveys. View details >>
The Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities invites bids for the procurement of services for a survey on energy consumption and energy efficiency in the services sector.
GRANTS
Energy Catalyst Round 6 by Innovate UK. More info >>
Deadline: 14 November 2018 - The APP is supporting the Innovate UK to deploy the £10 million Energy Catalyst Round 6, a grant programme designed to address the need for clean, affordable and secure energy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Deadline: 21 October 2018 - The APP is supporting the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket) on the Demo Environment Grant Programme, financed by Swedish Agency for Development Cooperation (Sida) and designed to support international technology transfers into 4 African countries: Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia.
FINANCING
IRENA/ADFD Project Facility – 7th Cycle Call for Proposals. More info >>
Opens: 12 November 2018 - The APP is supporting the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility, funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and with 7th Cycle Call for Proposals now accepting registrations. USD 5 million to USD 15 million in concessional loans is available at 1% or 2% loan rates, to cover up to half of the total project costs.
Date & Time: Thursday 25 October 2018 Time: 15h00 CET | Organizer: ESI Africa
FEATURED REPORT
Energy Storage Trends and Opportunities in Emerging Markets
Publication date: 2017 | Author: ESMAP / IFC
Energy storage is a crucial tool for enabling the effective integration of renewable energy and unlocking the benefits of local generation and a clean, resilient energy supply.
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Welcome to this special edition of the APP newsletter featuring available reports on the power sector.
An important role of the APP is sharing to the community the latest available sources of knowledge for the power sector.
Several institutions issue regularly studies, articles and reports that are extremely relevant for our community and we are pleased to share you this selection.
The APP is here to serve the industry and help Africa to get brighter.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FEATURED REPORTS
CROWD POWER: Who Is the Crowd?
Publication date: 2018, September | Author: Energy 4 Impact
Innovative energy access projects are increasingly turning to crowdfunding to address their financing needs. But little is known about how effective this tool is in kick-starting projects in developing countries.
Standardized Impact Metrics for the Off-Grid Solar Energy Sector
Publication date: 2018, September | Author: GOGLA
The GOGLA Impact Working Group has used the best available research to develop a set of metrics that companies and investors can use to estimate the impact of their businesses or investments. Updated in September 2018, the metric framework covers a range of off-grid solar technology sizes and seven thematic areas.
Publication date: 2018, September | Author: Oxford Institute for Energy Studies
This issue of the Oxford Energy Forum focuses on the electrification of Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).The articles cover a wide variety of countries and issues, focusing on barriers to meeting electrification objectives and ways to overcome them.
Productive Use of Energy in African Micro-Grids: Technical and Business Considerations
Publication date: 2018, August | Author: USAID / Power Africa / Energy 4 Impact / NREL
This report, published in support of the Power Africa: Beyond the Grid Program, explores the business model and technical challenges related to the productive use of energy in smaller micro-grids.
Powering Opportunity: The Economic Impact of Off-Grid Solar
Publication date: 2018, July | Author: GOGLA
This new GOGLA report presents compelling data on the economic impact of off-grid solar systems: nearly 60% of households using small scale-solar power in East Africa report a rise in economic activity.
Investment Opportunities in African Infrastructure: Challenges and Opportunities
Publication date: 2018, July | Author: MERCER / NASP / MiDA / USAID
The project includes findings from 11 investor interviews, with a top-line finding that despite material risk issues facing infrastructure projects in some SSA countries, OECD asset owners’ risk perceptions around the African continent may be overblown, particularly in light of the substantial returns that are possible.
This Power Africa Gas Roadmap builds on the Power Africa Roadmap to outline a plan for achieving up to 16,000 MW of additional gas-fired power generation in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, which is over 50 percent of Power Africa’s topline goal.
This first Electricity Regulatory Index therefore aims to serve as the basis for carrying out future periodic assessments of the sector’s regulatory environment in African countries.
Publication date: 2018, May | Author: IEA / IRENA / UN / WB / WHO
This joint tracking report provides the most comprehensive look available at the world’s progress towards global energy targets on access to electricity, clean cooking, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Powering Africa: Unlocking opportunities for energy development in Southern Africa
Publication date: 2018, May | Author: SEI
This paper identifies how centralised and decentralised approaches might support development of a secure low-carbon energy infrastructure in Southern Africa to meet increased demand and ensure universal energy access.
Welcome to the third African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
You may recall that on our latest special edition of the newsletter, dedicated to reports, there was one entitled “CROWD POWER: Who Is the Crowd?”, looking at the crowdfunding for energy access companies. Now, our reputable member Enerwhere is launching a crowdfunding round to support its growth plans. The subject is gaining momentum.
Hope you enjoy this and all the many other topics this newsletter is bringing you. The APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
AFRICA: Renewables for C&I Solutions Give Hope for Africa’s Energy Transition. Read the article >>
Corporate PPA-based renewable energy solutions could play an important role in markets that build up new capacity.
The deal was signed in the Togo capital Lomé in the presence of the President of the Togolese Republic, Faure Gnassignabé, and will form part of a government initiative to supply over 500,000 households with solar home systems by 2030.
MALAWI: 600 farmers get a solar-powered irrigation system. Read the article >>
Japan's Sharp has recently provided an irrigation system to 600 farmers in Malawi. Equipped with a solar pump, the device is installed on the Shire River in the south of the country.
SOUTH AFRICA: Vestas to build 2 wind farms for Enel in Western Cape. Read the article >>
The Danish company, Vestas Wind Systems, recently won the contract to supply wind turbines for two projects in South Africa. With a total capacity of 294 MW, they are owned by Enel Green Power, a subsidiary of Enel, an Italian company that also produces electricity privately in the rainbow nation.
EASTERN AFRICA: GRMF finance 7 geothermal projects with a total of $28 million. Read the article >>
Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF) is providing $28 million in funding to seven geothermal projects in East Africa. Located in three different countries, these projects were selected from among the nine still in the running in the fifth round of the review of GRMF grant applications.
AFRICA: Risk of a ‘bridge to nowhere’ effect in Africa’s electrification. Read the article >>
A report from the United States’ Rocky Mountain Institute finds more work is needed on the demand side for microgrids and other rural electrification projects in Africa. Such projects, says the report, often focus on building generation capacity, with little consideration for the ability of end users to make good use of energy.
NIGER: Gourou Banda solar park project in Niamey will be financed by AFD. Read the article >>
Marcel Escure, the French Ambassador to Niger, recently announced that AFD would finance the construction of the Gourou Banda solar power plant. Located in the city of Niamey, it will be able to supply 20 MW to the national grid.
AFRICA: African Development Bank urges power sector to capitalize on women’s capabilities. Read the article >>
The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org), in partnership with the French Development Agency, Association of Power Utilities of Africa and African Network of Centers of Excellence (ANCEE) organized a three-day seminar on “Promoting Gender Equality in the African Power Sector” at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan.
This Newsletter is sent to all the contacts that AT Ihas in the energy sector, and more particularly to those that are involved in renewable energy.
The main objective is to give an update on the implementation of the Regional Liquidity Support Facility (RLSF), which started in 2017.
TENDERS
Consultancy Services to undertake Resource Assessment and GIS Mapping Assessment for Small Hydropower Potential in Eastern and Southern Africa View details >>
Publication date: 17th October 2018 | Submission date: 16th November 2018
Category: Consultancy | Region: Eastern and Southern Africa
Entity: AFRICAN UNION
Call for Expressions of Interest to partner with USAID/Power Africa through the Development Credit Authority (DCA) View details >>
Publication date: 15th October 2018 | Submission date: 14th December 2018
Category: Financing | Region: Africa | Entity: USAID/Power Africa
Supply and Installation of 78,000 Smart AMR Metering for Prepayment Customers in the Tema South District of ECG View details >>
Publication date: 24th October 2018 | Submission date: 27th November 2018
Category: Supply | Region: Ghana | Entity:Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of Ghana
INVESTMENT
Crowdfunding Investment Opportunity with Enerwhere More info >>
Enerwhere, a proud African Power Platform member, is excited to announce that it is about to undertake a fundraising round to fuel the growth plans.
We seek companies with technology or solutions that place them on the energy-access value-chain. This includes, but is by no means limited to, companies involved in solar home systems, mini-grids – both off-grid and grid-extensions – distribution of electricity access products, data management and novel financing techniques.
DEBT: Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund More info >>
The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) provides long-term debt on commercial terms to private sector companies building or expanding infrastructure in Africa.
REEP - Renewable Energy Performance Platform periodic report
Publication date: 2018 | Author: REEP
The Renewable Energy Performance Platform was set up in 2015 to stimulate the growth of the smallscale and distributed renewable energy sector in sub-Saharan Africa by helping developers overcome barriers to finance. Know more >>
.Crowdfunding Investment Opportunity with Enerwhere
Dear reader,
The African Power Platform mandate is also about sharing members business opportunities.
Enerwhere, a proud African Power Platform member, is excited to announce that it is about to undertake a fundraising round to fuel the growth plans.
You may remember that in 2017, Enerwhere raised more than US$1million in equity crowdfunding through Eureeca, which resulted in 150% revenue growth in 2018.
Enerwhere, a solar hybrid company providing energy as a service, generates cleaner energy exactly where it is needed i.e. on your roof or next to your business. Enerwhere, with its data driven client-lead approach, is now firmly positioned as one of the regional leaders in cleaner energy solutions for both on and off-grid businesses.
Enerwhere is raising again on Eureeca to ensure that individual investors and not just institutional investors can benefit from its success.
We are currently in the process of gauging our network's interest in investing in the round on the global equity crowdfunding platform eureeca.com.
Visit the below link to learn more about our raise. If you like what you see, register your interest in becoming a Enerwhere shareholder.
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. WEBINAR: Crowdfunding Investment Opportunity with Enerwhere
Dear reader,
The African Power Platform mandate is also about sharing members business opportunities and educating the community about innovative financing solutions.
Enerwhere, a proud African Power Platform member, is undertaking a crowdfunding round to fuel the growth plans.
You may remember that in 2017, Enerwhere raised more than US$1million in equity crowdfunding through Eureeca, which resulted in 150% revenue growth in 2018.
Enerwhere, a solar hybrid company providing energy as a service, generates cleaner energy exactly where it is needed i.e. on your roof or next to your business. Enerwhere, with its data driven client-lead approach, is now firmly positioned as one of the regional leaders in cleaner energy solutions for both on and off-grid businesses.
Enerwhere is raising again on Eureeca to ensure that individual investors and not just institutional investors can benefit from its success.
The African Power Platform is co-organizing a webinar with Enerwhere that will give you all the details on the crowdfunding round.
Date & Time: Tuesday 27th November 2018 | 17h00 UAE Time (2pm Central Europe / 9am US EST)
. INVESTMENT
Crowdfunding Investment Opportunity with Enerwhere More info >>
Enerwhere, a proud African Power Platform member, is excited to announce that it is about to undertake a fundraising round to fuel the growth plans.
. JOIN THE AFRICAN POWER PLATFORM
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Welcome to the fourth African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
We have been listening to the market and realized that financing keeps being the most important challenge developers and projects face on their bumpy way to implementation.
With this in mind, the APP is focusing its efforts on supporting the members on accessing financing facilities for their projects.
We will host a Webinar in January about the subject. Meanwhile you can browse the financing section of the website where you can find options for grants, equity, debt and even crowdfunding.
If you need a dedicated support on applying for financing or grants programs, please get in touch.
The APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
NIGERIA: Rensource Energy Receives a Boost from NEoT Offgrid Africa for its First Micro Utility Project. Read the article >>
Rensource Energy has announced the investment of an undisclosed amount in its first micro-utility project Sabon Gari Energy by Paris-based NEoT Offgrid Africa.
AFRICA: Blockchain can change the face of renewable energy in Africa. Here’s how. Read the article >>
A business-as-usual attitude will not change the energy outlook of Africa. Using a technology that enables shared consensus on a transparent, yet secure backdrop will.
MALAWI: USTDA backs feasibility study for 40-MW solar project in Malawi. Read the article >>
The grant was awarded to Malawi-based Golomoti JCM Solar Corp, a subsidiary of renewable energy group JCM Power. The aim of the study will be to estimate the potential for constructing a solar photovoltaic (PV) park in the Golomoti region of Malawi with a capacity of between 17.5 MW and 40 MW.
AFRICA: Is Clean Energy Funding from the UN’s Green Climate Fund and other Sources Going Where it’s Needed Most?. Read the article >>
As we head into the COP 24 climate talks, a look at how those who finance energy development choose which projects to support.
AFRICA: Five African countries make progress in de-risking renewable energy projects. Read the article >>
Benin, Burundi, Malawi, Uganda and Zambia have made significant progress in de-risking renewable energy projects in their countries.
In a global study on clean energy conducted by Bloomberg, Rwanda has ranked fifth place among international countries making the transition to clean power.
In the Africa and Asia markets, the number of solar mini-grid projects is expected to grow from 2,700 units in 2017 to over 31,000 units by 2023, with 51% of these figures to come from Africa.
MALI: Resolute & Ignite to build world’s largest off-grid solar hybrid power plant at Syama. Read the article >>
Resolute Mining has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Ignite Energy Projects Pty Ltd, a leading financier, developer and operator of power projects in Africa, for the development of a new 40 MW independent solar hybrid power plant at the company’s Syama gold mine in Mali.
FROM THE MEMBERS
Malawi Signs Memorandum of Understanding onto the Regional Liquidity Support Facility in a Bid to Increase Energy View details >>
The Government of Malawi and the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI) signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) onto Regional Liquidity Facility (RLSF) today. With the facility, Malawi is hoping to diversify its energy mix and to make a significant dent in its electrification rate which currently stands at about 10 percent.
TENDERS
Procurement of International and Local Advisory Services for Completion of the Bankable Feasibility Studies for the 210 MW Hydropower Plant Located in Boroma, Tete Province, Republic of Mozambique View details >>
Publication date: 16th November 2018 | Submission date: 7th January 2019
Category: Consultancy | Region: Mozambique
Entity: Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)
Invitation for Pre-Qualification of Contractors for Rural Electrification Projects under the 2018 Appropriation Act View details >>
Publication date: 17th December 2018 | Submission date: 17th December 2018
Category: Construction | Region: Nigeria | Entity: REA - Rural Electrification Agency Nigeria
Request for proposal relating to the development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of a (12) solar photovoltaic power projects View details >>
Publication date: 26th November 2018 | Submission date: 29th March 2019
Crowdfunding Investment Opportunity with Enerwhere More info >>
Enerwhere, a proud African Power Platform member, is excited to announce that it is undertaking a fundraising round to fuel the growth plans.
GRANTS
3rd call of the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Facility (EREF3) More info >>
The ECOWAS Renewable Energy Facility (EREF) is a grant facility providing co-funding for small to medium sized renewable energy and energy efficiency (RE&EE) projects and businesses in rural and peri-urban areas. The deadline for submission of proposals is 20 December 2018.
Eligible Countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
USTDA Call for Gas Project Proposals under the Gas Initiative More info >>
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced a call for initial proposals for gas sector-related projects from project sponsors or U.S. companies working with project sponsors in emerging markets. Deadline is Monday, January 28, 2019.
Our support reduces the risks and costs associated with early stage project development, ensuring that a project develops from concept to bankable investment opportunity.
Africa50 is an infrastructure investment platform that contributes to Africa's growth by developing and investing in bankable projects, catalyzing public sector capital, and mobilizing private sector funding, with differentiated financial returns and impact.
Webinar: Accessing Financing for Power Projects in Africa
Date & Time: Tuesday 15th January 2019 | 4pm East Africa / 2pm West Africa / 5pm UAE Time / 2pm Central Europe / 9am US EST | Organizer: African Power Platform
Think Outside the Grid: Africa’s Trillion Dollar Energy Opportunity
Publication date: 2018, June | Author: DBL Partners
Sub-Saharan Africa is on the cusp of a trillion dollar tomorrow. Emerging from a history of limited energy access, the region has the opportunity to unleash over $1 trillion of GDP simply by investing in off-grid solar to provide energy access to those who need it.
If you want to join the African Power Platform and enjoy the full set of benefits visit our membership page or contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Welcome to the fifth African Power Platform (APP) newsletter and Happy New Year.
A new year starts and I hope you are as excited as we are with 2019.
We will increase the communication pace and start producing a weekly newsletter, since on the previous monthly periodicity there was important information getting outdated before reaching you.
Our flagship program “Africa Power Access Accelerator” is almost ready to launch. It will bridge the gap between project developers and consultants / technology providers / financiers. In a couple of weeks we will send out a call for projects with the guidelines and application form.
As a prediction I'd say the mini-grid space will boom in 2019 with a lot happening.
Meanwhile, the APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
AFRICA: Solar Energy Company Enerwhere Secures Second Round of $940,000 From Eureeca. Read the article >>
Dubai-based Solar Company Enerwhere has secured recently a second new funding round of $940K from Eureeca crowdfunding platform.
AFRICA: The AECF and EEP brings Renewable Energy Investors from across the World to Africa. Read the article >>
The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) and the Energy and Environment Partnership Trust Fund (EEP Africa) recently hosted an investor forum in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together financiers and companies from across the world to find investment opportunities in renewable energy businesses operating in Africa.
The governments in sub-Saharan Africa have partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to launch the Solar for Health initiative to install solar systems in rural health centres and clinics.
KENYA: Solar-pumped water slakes rural Kenya's thirst for development. Read the article >>
Health centres now have enough stored water to ensure good hygiene while babies are delivered, while children no longer have to spend lesson time at school fetching water, said John Kibaara, a Marimanti resident.
AFRICA: Meet clean energy pioneers hoping to change the world. Read the article >>
Launched in 2008 under the name of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, the programme is aimed at supporting and bringing awareness to groups and individuals who are pioneers in the field of sustainability.
Tanzania: WWF Renewable Energy Project to Light Mtwara Villages. Read the article >>
Miyuyu is one of the four villages selected to become renewable energy village models under a WWF project whose objective is to ensure renewable solutions meet all energy needs by 2050.
Kenya: Azuri Partners with Unilever to Provide Mini-Grids in Rural Areas. Read the article >>
Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch distribution giant, has just signed a partnership agreement with Azuri Technologies, a British company specialised in the supply of off-grid solar energy. The collaboration will focus on electricity distribution via solar mini-grids in rural areas in Kenya.
Africa’s premier development finance institution maintains an active presence in the socially responsible investment arena and continues to be a regular issue of Green and Social Bonds.
FROM THE MEMBERS
In 2018 ATI doubled its portfolio becoming one of the largest single providers of trade and investment risk insurance in Africa Know more >>
The African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI) is now supporting trade and investments equivalent to 1 – 2 % of the annual GDP flowing into its African member countries, and 2018 also saw a doubling of the company’s exposure from US$2.4 billion in 2017 to an estimated US$5 billion by year-end 2018.
Cape Town school receives solar power unit Know more >>
The project and donation are a culmination of efforts between organisation SOLA Future Energy and the climate change NPO Project 90 by 2030, which are both committed to promoting affordable, clean and accessible energy in Africa.
First Solar sees a doubling coming in 2019 Know more >>
The project and donation are a culmination of efforts between organisation SOLA Future Energy and the climate change NPO Project 90 by 2030, which are both committed to promoting affordable, clean and accessible energy in Africa.
The EPC company for the installation, New Southern Energy (NSE), is a leading South African-based, full-service renewable energy provider for distributed energy projects throughout Africa. With extensive experience in the renewable energy sector, NSE was chosen as the projects EPC as they held the technical and professional skills required to implement the project.
TENDERS
Construction of Two (02) Solar Power Plants and Associated Equipment at Koudougou (20 Mwc) and Kaya (10 Mwc) View details >>
Submission date: 28th February 2019 | Category: Construction
Region: Burkina Faso | Entity: National Electricity Company of Burkina Faso (SONABEL)
Supply and Delivery of Substation Equipment for Kalabo Under Lot 1 - 4 – ZESCO/093/2018 View details >>
Submission date: 18th January 2019 | Category: Supply
Region: Zambia | Entity: ZESCO
Procurement Process for an Independent Power Producer for a 10 MW Wind Power Plant in Santiago island, Cabo Verde View details >>
Submission date: 30th January 2019 | Category: IPP
Region: Cape Verde | Entity:Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Energy
Fund Establishment and Fund Manager Services for the Nigeria Energy Access Fund View details >>
Submission date: 18th January 2019 | Category: Financing
The “Africa Power Access Accelerator” program, by the African Power Platform, bridges the existing gap between project developers and consultants / technology providers / financiers.
P4G holds an annual global competition to select public-private partnerships to receive start-up or scale-up funding. P4G start-up partnerships are eligible to receive up to USD 100,000 in funding. P4G scale-up partnerships are eligible to receive up to USD 1 million. In 2018, P4G funded 11 start-up partnerships. Another 8 partnerships are finalists to receive P4G scale-up funding. Submission deadline: 15 February 2019.
Powering Opportunities Partnership - Call for Expression of Interest for Productive Energy Use action research projects in sub-Saharan Africa More info >>
A total budget of at least £675,000 has been made available in this round for grants to successful applicants. A minimum of 50% co-funding (either financial or in-kind) is a prerequisite for proposal consideration. This competition seeks to fund 3 to 4 projects. Funding to be requested from TEA-POP for each project should not exceed £300,000. Smaller expressions of interest are welcome. Deadline is 28 February 2019.
EQUITY: PROPARCO ARE Scale Up facility More info >>
Over the next 5 years, Proparco will provide equity or quasi-equity funding for between 5 and 10 African businesses with innovative, high-potential projects. While priority will be given to solar energy projects, other technologies (biomass, mini-hydro, etc.) will also be considered.
EQUITY: Electrification Financing Initiative (ElectriFI) More info >>
ElectriFI aims to support investments that increase and/or improve access to modern, affordable and sustainable energy services. The projects must lead to new and improved connections for populations living principally in rural, under-served areas as well as regions affected by unreliable power supply in developing countries.
PFAN Call for Proposals for Climate & Clean Energy Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa More info >>
This is a rolling, open-ended call for proposals, which means that you may apply at any time. However, if you wish to be eligible to pitch your project in the upcoming West Africa Forum for Climate and Clean Energy Financing, to be held in the autumn of 2019, please apply by 20 January 2019.
Webinar: Solar for Business in Africa Know more >>
Sub-Saharan Africa’s commercial and industrial (C&I) sector faces relatively high electricity tariffs and an often unreliable grid which further exacerbates costs. Businesses can hedge their energy costs, lock in savings and diversify their energy sources with on-site solar. This webinar will help you understand the current status of the C&I solar market in the region and discuss risks and opportunities in the sector.
Webinar: Accessing Financing for Power Projects in Africa Know more >>
Date & Time: Tuesday 15th January 2019 | 4pm East Africa / 2pm West Africa / 5pm UAE Time / 2pm Central Europe / 9am US EST | Organizer: African Power Platform
Scaling Off-Grid Energy (SOGE) Grand Challenge for Development Know more >>
Publication date: 2018, November | Author: SOGE
Scaling Off-Grid Energy (SOGE) Grand Challenge for Development is a global partnership founded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, Power Africa, the U.K. Department for International Development, the African Development Bank, and the independent charity, Shell Foundation. Our aligned partners include Acumen, GSMA, Microsoft, and the UN Foundation.
If you want to join the African Power Platform and enjoy the full set of benefits visit our membership page or contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Welcome to the sixth African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
As promised on the latest edition, our flagship program “Africa Power Access Accelerator” has now been launched and it's receiving application for the first window closing on the 31st March 2019.
We have been noticing a lot of activity on the funding side, with companies and projects securing financing for their developments and growth plans. These are good news and show the positive momentum the sector if going through. 2019 will be for sure a great year with a lot of achievements for all of us.
Meanwhile, the APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
AFRICA: UKCI, Investec to channel USD 72.3m into African renewables. Read the article >>
UK Climate Investments (UKCI) and asset manager Investec will pour some ZAR 1 billion (USD 72.3m/EUR 63.6m) in Revego Africa Energy Ltd, a renewables yieldco that will invest in operational renewable energy assets in sub-Saharan Africa.
Energy in Africa: Policy, Management and Sustainability was co-edited with Professor Feargal Brennan. It is an integrated look at the energy industry in Africa that the pair hope will foster collaboration and partnership between the sectors of university, industry and institutions.
UGANDA: Alobo wants all Ugandans on solar power in 10 years. Read the article >>
After delivering a 20MW solar project in Gomba, Dr David Alobo says he can power every Uganda in a self-financing scheme. It definitely won’t be an easy stroll, writes Alon Mwesigwa.
SIERRA LEONE: Bumbuna II Hydroelectric power project receives financial aid. Read the article >>
ElectriFI has committed $3.5 million of development capital to finance 50% of Sierra Leone's 143MW Bumbuna II Hydroelectric power project's external development expenses.
AFRICA: How to Keep Africa’s Minigrids from Becoming a Bridge to Nowhere. Read the article >>
A push is on to bring electricity to the nearly one billion people who lack it worldwide. But if you build it will they come? Apparently not, as some minigrid developers are finding in Sub-Saharan Africa.
AFRICA: AfDB to invest USD 25m in Sub-Saharan Africa renewables fund. Read the article >>
The African Development Bank (AfDB) will make an equity investment of up to USD 25 million (EUR 22m) in a private equity fund for renewable energy projects across Sub-Saharan Africa.
NAMIBIA: InnoSun Energy inaugurates phase one of Ombepo’s wind farm. Read the article >>
Namibia now has a wind farm with a capacity of 5 MW, which was recently commissioned in Ombepo, in the southwest of the country, by InnoSun Energy Holding, a Franco-Namibian company.
Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers, though its AIIF3 fund, is taking a minority stake in BBOXX’s operations in Rwanda, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
EAST AFRICA: Canadians bring solar power to off-the-grid Africa. Read the article >>
M-Kopa and Jaza Energy take different approaches, but their founders agree there is plenty of room for expansion in East Africa.
AFRICA: d.light Raises $41 Million to Finance Its Rapidly Growing Solar and Appliance Business. Read the article >>
Inspired Evolution, an Africa-focused investment advisory firm that specializes in the clean energy sector, led a $41 million equity investment by its Evolution II Fund and other consortium partners into d.light, which manufactures and distributes award-winning solar lighting and power for the developing world, with the goal of reaching 100 million people by 2020.
FROM THE MEMBERS
ATI & AFC support critical to a €577 million debt financing facility to Côte d’Ivoire’s Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR) – West Africa’s largest oil refinery Know more >>
The project brings together two African multilateral institutions partnering to provide a viable solution to arguably one of the most pressing challenges facing African governments: access to competitively priced and long-term infrastructure financing.
The “Africa Power Access Accelerator” program, by the African Power Platform, bridges the existing gap between project developers and consultants / technology providers / financiers. First application window closes on the 31st March 2019.
Productive Use of Energy in African Micro-Grids: Technical and Business Considerations Know more >>
Publication date: 2018, August | Authors: USAID / Power Africa / Energy 4 Impact / NREL
This report, published in support of the Power Africa: Beyond the Grid Program, explores the business model and technical challenges related to the productive use of energy in smaller micro-grids. In addition to examining the business models used by developers, this report also provides best practices for promoting the productive use of energy.
JOIN THE AFRICAN POWER PLATFORM
If you want to join the African Power Platform and enjoy the full set of benefits visit our membership page or contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Welcome to the seventh African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
Only two weeks after the launching of our flagship program “Africa Power Access Accelerator” we already received the first couple of applications. I'm sure that by the deadline on the 31st March the turnout will be overwhelming.
From the consultancy tenders issued by the IFC (you can find them below) we have noticed this important financial player is betting on the solar rooftop potential in Africa and preparing investments in the C&I space. Definitely a niche to keep paying close attention to.
This week we have signed a partnership with the Africa Energy Forum happening in Lisbon this year. Soon we'll share details. It will be a great place for a meetup.
Meanwhile, the APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
AFRICA: UAE-based solar developer raises $65mln from global investors, eyes larger funding by 2020. Read the article >>
Yellow Door Energy plans to use proceeds to break into new Arabian Gulf and African markets.
ZAMBIA: Country looks towards expanding investment in renewable energy. Read the article >>
Zambian Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme has appealed to the Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) for backing as it expands towards investment in renewable energy.
AFRICA: New projects to drive skills development in African energy sector. Read the article >>
As Africa braces for an influx of energy projects, development authorities are faced with the task of ensuring that there are enough energy professionals on the continent to meet the growing demand of related skills for the successful implementation of these projects.
The Renewable Energies Agency of Mali and other stakeholder groups such as the World Bank and the Climate Investment Fund are organizing the first edition of the Malian Renewable Energy Week to be held from February 19 to 23 in the capital, Bamako.
AFRICA: African energy regulators seal cooperation agreement with European regulators. Read the article >>
The Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) and the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) signed the three-year collaboration agreement which will be facilitated by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
AFRICA: Renewable-power Surge Faces Challenge, Too Few Workers. Read the article >>
A big challenge stands in the way, experts say: a lack of trained workers able to plan, install and maintain solar, wind and other clean energy systems.
KENYA: Solarcentury to install solar power at Galleria Mall. Read the article >>
Solarcentury Wednesday signed an agreement to develop a 562kWp solar power system for Nairobi’s Galleria shopping mall.
EAST AFRICA: KenGen Named Region's Best Sustainable Power Producer. Read the article >>
Kenya Electricity Generating Company has emerged East Africa's Best Sustainable Power Producer in the 2018 Capital Finance International Awards.
SOUTH AFRICA: Solar leasing marketplace Sun Exchange raises $1m via ICO. Read the article >>
South African solar leasing marketplace Sun Exchange has raised US$1 million from sales of its SUNEX digital rewards token, some way short of its original target of US$5.4 million.
FROM THE MEMBERS
Togo to soon adhere to creation of African Trade Insurance Agency Know more >>
Togo should soon sign the agreement regarding the creation of the African Trade Insurance Agency (ACA), an institution whose purpose is to support trade and investment in Africa.
InfraCo Africa builds on its partnership with JCM Power to deliver more solar power in Malawi Know more >>
InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), has signed a Shareholders Agreement with its Preferred Developer JCM Power (JCM), committing up to US$2.3m to co-develop the Golomoti Solar project in Malawi. The 26MWp initiative will be one of Malawi’s first commercial-scale solar photovoltaic plants.
Dulas pioneers last mile vaccine technology in Yemen Know more >>
Dulas, a leading manufacturer of solar power refrigerators, has announced today that it has been awarded contracts to supply several hundred Solar Vaccine Refrigerators to Yemen, under a programme of vaccination backed by both International and Yemani institutions.
Global Rooftop Solar Potential Data Collection View details >>
Submission deadline: 11th February 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Region: Global (Including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania)
Entity: IFC - International Finance Corporation
Pre-Feasibility Studies for Ruvyi102 And Mule037 Small Hydro Power Projects in Burundi View details >>
Submission deadline: 13th February 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Region: Burundi | Entity: Virunga Power
Regional simplified electricity supply-demand for SAPP countries View details >>
Submission deadline: 18th February 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Region: Southern Africa | Entity: IFC - International Finance Corporation
Assessment for Distributed Generation in the Commercial and Industrial Sectors in Southern Africa View details >>
Submission deadline: 18th February 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Region: Southern Africa (Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe) | Entity: IFC - International Finance Corporation
Guinea Bissau - Construction work of the electricity distribution system - PGES View details >>
Submission deadline: 21st March 2019 | Category: Construction
Region: Guinea-Bissau | Entity:African Development Bank (AfDB)
Design, Manufacture, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of 14MW Battery Energy Storage Systems for the Republic of Mauritius View details >>
Submission deadline: 7th March 2019 | Category: EPC
The “Africa Power Access Accelerator” program, by the African Power Platform, bridges the existing gap between project developers and consultants / technology providers / financiers. First application window closes on the 31st March 2019.
Publication date: 2019, January | Author: London Stock Exchange
This list includes several companies in the renewable energy sector, like African Clean Energy, Angola Energy Greentech, Aptech Africa, CrossBoundary, D.light, Karm Solar, M-Kopa, Mobisol, PowerGen, Rensource, Schutter Energy, Solantis Solar, Solarkiosk, ZOLA Energy or Zonful Energy.
JOIN THE AFRICAN POWER PLATFORM
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Welcome to the eighth African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
This week has been fertile in sector news, both on large and small scale projects.
Blackstone has reportedly divested from Africa, where it was developing power projects through Black Rhino Group, proving that Africa is a hard market leading to a lot of frustration, and Wall Street guys are not patient at all.
EIB funding approval for renewables is a good sign and Africa is positioned to benefit. We are discussing their support for the Africa Power Access Accelerator program.
We are seeing movement at the C&I space, with dedicated funding vehicles being put together and some players betting seriously.
A subject that doesn't get much attention but is extremely important for the off-grid sector is the energy efficiency of the appliances. R&D is ongoing on this and we can expect important progress, leading to better options for the last mile.
Meanwhile, the APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
NIGERIA: Azuri and FirstBank to provide solar technology solutions in Nigeria. Read the article >>
The UK-based Azuri Technologies, pay-as-you-go solar technology solution provider in Africa, and First Bank of Nigeria Limited have announced a partnership agreement that aims to help deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria while bringing clean power solutions.
TANZANIA: Solar energy to facilitate irrigation in Meru. Read the article >>
This institution is the result of cooperation between Tanzania and South Korea and it has just commissioned an irrigation system consisting of a well and a mini solar power plant to pump groundwater.
AFRICA: SolarCity's co-founders charge up African venture dedicated to improving 'energy access'. Read the article >>
Two of the co-founders of SolarCity have joined fast-growing solar-plus-storage firm Zola Electric - and they have some ambitious plans.
AFRICA: US investment firm, Blackstone, is selling its African subsidiary Black Rhino Group. Read the article >>
According to a report by Bloomberg, Blackstone stopped investing in the Africa subsidiary since 2018 as it stopping its investment move in Africa's energy and infrastructure projects.
SOUTH AFRICA: Kathu Solar Park Commences Commercial Operations. Read the article >>
Kathu solar park in South Africa has begun commercial operations as disclosed by electric utility company, ENGIE. The 100-megawatts (MW) plant is a Greenfield Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project equipped with a storage system that allows for storing of energy for up to 4-5 hours.
AFRICA: EIB approves EUR 670m of renewable energy financing. Read the article >>
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a total of EUR 670 million (USD 759.6m) of financing aimed at supporting the development of renewable energy in Europe, Africa and Asia, the lender said Tuesday.
AFRICA: IRENA to reveal future renewable energy innovations. Read the article >>
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) will present its new report Innovation landscape for a renewable-powered future: Solutions to integrate variable renewables, in Brussels on 19 February.
AFRICA: C&I Solar Market Poised For Faster Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Read the article >>
A fledgling market for commercial and industrial (C&I) solar in Sub-Saharan Africa is poised for faster growth due to high-cost and poor-quality grid power, declining solar energy costs and the rise of energy storage, according to a new report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).
ZAMBIA: On Track to Energy Surplus Following Major Boost in Electricity Production. Read the article >>
Thanks to a robust hydraulic and solar power generation industry in recent years, the country is now self-sufficient in energy. And, there is even better news for citizens of the South African nation- electricity production could soon be in surplus.
Ghana is set to receive a $70 million investment from Hungary for the first stage of its 400MW Bridge power project, located in the thermal power complex in Tema.
UAE-based AMEA Power has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Chad for the development of a solar photovoltaic (PV) project in the African country.
Azuri has unveiled a new 32-inch version of its solar-powered TV for off-grid households. The pay-as-you-go system has been designed and customised for the needs of homes in Africa that do not have mains access to the electricity grid.
ZIMBABWE: ammonium nitrate producer plans 400 MW solar park. Read the article >>
In Zimbabwe, an ammonium nitrate producer, Sable Chemicals, has entered into a partnership with a local energy solutions company, Tatanga Solar Energy, to fund a solar power generation project that is set to produce up to 400 megawatts in the central region of the southern African nation.
EAST AFRICA: Kenya-Tanzania interconnection to connect to Southern Africa Power Pool. Read the article >>
The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) is set to connect the Kenya and Tanzania power to the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) through a 400kV transmission line.
EWT has introduced the newly developed DW54-1MW wind turbine. The design is based on the company’s direct drive architecture.
Eversheds Sutherland Announces 10% Increase in Global Revenue Know more >>
Eversheds Sutherland today announced global revenues of $1.175bn for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, representing a 10% increase over the previous year.
TENDERS
Lighting Africa/Global: Quality Assurance Manager under ACE Program View details >>
Submission deadline: 23rd February 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Region: Africa | Entity: IFC - International Finance Corporation
Lesotho - Services for Renewable Energy Grid Integration Study View details >>
Submission deadline: 25th February 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Region: Lesotho | Entity: Lesotho Electricity Company
Design, Supply, Installation and Commissioning of 10MW Scalable Solar Photovoltaic Power, Auxiliary Equipment and Associated Works at Nanjoka in Salima View details >>
Submission deadline: 7th March 2019 | Category: EPC
Region: Malawi | Entity: Electricity Generation Company (Malawi)
Construction and equipment of high voltage overhead lines View details >>
Submission deadline: 27th March 2019 | Category: EPC
Region: Tunisia | Entity: Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG)
Supply and delivery of components for 2049 Solar Home Systems View details >>
Submission deadline: 8th April 2019 | Category: Supply
Region: Mali, Uganda, Guinea-Bissau | Entity:FRES – Foundation Rural Energy Services
The “Africa Power Access Accelerator” program, by the African Power Platform, bridges the existing gap between project developers and consultants / technology providers / financiers. First application window closes on the 31st March 2019.
A new report commissioned by responsAbility highlights the potential of commercial and industrial (C&I) solar opportunities in the region and the key challenges that must be overcome to fully unlock solar’s potential.
If you want to join the African Power Platform and enjoy the full set of benefits visit our membership page or contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Welcome to the ninth African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
This week we started seeing news from the Africa50 fund, an initiative with a promising mandate but very few reported projects on the ground.
The C&I space keeps showing a positive trend in Africa, with projects being commissioned and funds made available for development of more projects.
Although it has been hard to progress on large greenfield hydropower projects, there are plenty of old plants with operational capacity far below the maximum capacity. That could be the lowest hanging fruit for utilities for increasing generation, through rehabilitation projects of those facilities, like we have seen with Voith contract in Benin.
South Africa reported the commissioning of its first solar power desalination plant, a combination of technologies with huge potential, mostly in island states where water resources are scarce.
Last week we shared an article alerting for the lack of qualified technicians holding back the progress of renewables in Africa. This week Senegal announced the creation of a renewable energy training and research program, a step in the right direction.
Meanwhile, the APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
SOUTH AFRICA: Sun Exchange signs fund agreement with Decentral Energy for solar projects. Read the article >>
Solar-generation microleasing platform Sun Exchange on Tuesday announced that it had signed an agreement with Johannesburg-based boutique clean energy fund manager Decentral Energy, said Sun Exchange founder and CEO Abe Cambridge.
CONGO: Africa50 to mobilise funds for Congo’s gas-fired power plant. Read the article >>
Pan-African infrastructure investment platform, Africa50, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of the Republic of Congo to structure and mobilise financing for the expansion of one of its gas-fired power plants.
GHANA: CrossBoundary commissions solar off grid for bottling plant. Read the article >>
Yingli Namene West Africa Ltd, a Ghanaian company has just completed the construction of a solar off grid on the roof of a factory in Accra, the capital of Ghana. The company collaborates with CrossBoundary Energy Ghana, an investment fund manager specialising in solar energy production. The plant will supply energy to a bottling plant owned by Kasapreko Company Limited, a Ghanaian company.
AFRICA: Market is opening up to corporate PPAs – Baker McKenzie. Read the article >>
At a time when electricity tariffs are increasing and the shift towards greener energy is gaining momentum, law firm Baker McKenzie says Africa is starting to see a surge in the signing of corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs).
AFRICA: Cost optimisation driving renewable energy adoption at African mines. Read the article >>
After various projects have demonstrated the value of renewables for reducing diesel, heavy fuel oil and gas consumption, mining companies can now benefit from the significant cost reduction potential that renewable energy holds, according to a newreport by THEnergy and Voltalia.
WEST AFRICA: Voith signs contract for West Africa hydropower plant modernisation. Read the article >>
Voith has secured a €22m contract from Communtauté Electrique du Bénin (CEB) to carry out modernisation works of Nangbeto hydropower plant on the Mono River that borders Benin and Togo, West Africa.
SOUTH AFRICA: Official opening of first solar powered desalination plant. Read the article >>
The project not only constitutes a highly innovative model in terms of French-South African cooperation, but its sustainable and decentralized production of drinkable water could be replicated in a highly cost-effective manner for communities along the South African coastline, as well as inland, anywhere with sufficient brackish water available.
SENEGAL: Launches renewable energy training and research program. Read the article >>
French investment firm Meridiam has launched a research and training program focused on renewable energy development in Dakar. The training program is managed by the International Centre for Training and Research in solar energy (CIFRES), a unit of the Higher Polytechnic School of Dakar (ESP).
WEST AFRICA: ECOWAS completes its new Regional Master Plan. Read the article >>
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has finalized its new Regional Master Plan for the Production and Transmission of Electric Power. The plan, which was presented by Secretary General of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), Siengui Appollinaire Ki, aims to increase power access and coverage across the West African region.
Enel Green Power RSA (EGP RSA) will build the facility, its third in the Eastern Cape province, at a total cost of over EUR 200 million (USD 225.65m). Nxuba is expected to start operations by September 2020 generating more than 460 GWh of electricity per year and offsetting some 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.
FROM THE MEMBERS
Mott MacDonald appoints Liz King as managing director for Africa Know more >>
Mott MacDonald has appointed Liz King as managing director of its business in Africa, succeeding George Rennie who has retired after a successful career with the company spanning 36 years. Liz will be responsible for the for the day-to-day management and operational performance of the business in Africa where it currently operates in countries across the continent.
The “Africa Power Access Accelerator” program, by the African Power Platform, bridges the existing gap between project developers and consultants / technology providers / financiers. First application window closes on the 31st March 2019.
GRANTS
USAID-Power Africa Solar Home System (SHS) Kick-Starter Program for Malawi More info >>
The kickstarter program has 5 key components including: 1) A $1.5 Million Results Based Financing (RBF) Grant Facility aimed at stimulating the sale/provision of 150,000 new SHS off-grid connections; 2) Access to working capital; debt and equity finance from various local financial institutions; 3) Operation Support i.e. technical assistance to SHS companies; 4) A Consumer Solar Awareness and Education Campaign; 5) Policy and Regulatory Reform initiatives including strengthening fiscal incentives and support like VAT & Duty Exemptions.
Eligible Country: Malawi | Deadline: 15th March 2019.
USADF-All On Nigeria Off-Grid Energy Challenge More info >>
USADF and All On invite you to submit proposals for innovative off-grid solutions to “power up” underserved areas of Nigeria. Applicants should be developing, scaling up or extending energy technologies to off-grid areas of Nigeria.
Eligible Country: Nigeria | Deadline: 15th March 2019.
Powering the Crowd into the Future: Key Learnings & Recommendations Know more >>
Publication date: 2018, December | Author: Energy 4 Impact
Powering the Crowd into the Future is the fifth and final report in the Crowd Power series and captures the key learnings from three years of research into crowd-sourced financing for energy access businesses and projects.
If you want to join the African Power Platform and enjoy the full set of benefits visit our membership page or contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Welcome to the tenth African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
This week brings us news about an industrial park in Ghana planning to be self-sufficient in power by installing a solar mini-grid, a step in the right direction.
An amazing story about a South Korean company that developed a "solar cow". Watch the video, it worth.
As you may recall, Angola got a grant from the AfDB's SEFA program to develop the renewables sector. It's a project going on that will show results in the coming months.
IRENA has published an interesting report looking at how technology innovation is helping to accommodate variable renewables on the grid, a challenge holding back solar and wind projects development in most of the African countries due to grid constraints.
An issue pointed out by several stakeholders is the lack of qualified people to take on the renewables potential of Africa. The Enel Foundation's scholarship for renewables if a great initiative to tackle the issue.
Keep well, keep energized.
Meanwhile, the APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
GHANA: Africa’s first solar fueled industrial park in the offing. Read the article >>
Siemens and WestPark Enterprises have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop an expandable microgrid solution for the fast-growing industrial and business park based in Takoradi, Western Ghana.
KENYA: The solar cow that powered an African village (VIDEO). Read the article >>
Yolk Station, a South Korean solar energy company, has installed a renewable energy solution in a remote Kenyan town that can also tackle the problem of child labour.
As a renewable energy revolution takes place across the world, Angola is seeking an intervention to boost its own efforts, which is a great step for the country in several ways.
AFRICA: IRENA launches new report to transform the power sector. Read the article >>
The report “Innovation Landscape for a Renewable-Powered Future: Solutions to integrate variable renewables” contains the most in-depth assessment of the power sector transformation to date.
The delivery of gigawatts-worth of solar generation across West Africa lies one step closer to reality after calls were put forward for experts to lay the foundations of a major project that was first envisaged in 2016.
AFRICA: Sweden Expands Support For Off-Grid Renewable Energy In Sub-Saharan Africa. Read the article >>
SIDA says it will expand its off-grid solar initiative to Burkina Faso, Liberia, and Mozambique and is backing the expansion with an additional $50 million in funding over the next 5 years.
EAST AFRICA: Egypt to share energy practices with EAPP countries. Read the article >>
Egypt’s energy minister Mohamed Shaker has affirmed the country’s commitment to working with the East Africa Power Pool (EAPP) countries in advancing their goals in the energy sector.
AFRICA: Open Africa Power – partnership in education towards Africa’s clean energy future. Read the article >>
The program is targeted at young and exceptionally talented MSc and PhD students, as well as alumni of Engineering, Law and Business from African universities. Strathmore University, in cooperation with University of Nairobi, will host the first module of the training.
AFRICA: Africa Development Bank explores electricity cooperative potential. Read the article >>
African Development Bank (AfDB) has initiated feasibility studies to evaluate the potential of implementing electricity cooperative business models in Nigeria and Ethiopia.
AFRICA: Nonprofit aims to help Africa build energy for economic development. Read the article >>
Todd Moss is a former State Department official leading a small new nonprofit with a big idea: changing what he calls an incomplete conversation about electricity access in Africa and South Asia.
FROM THE MEMBERS
Kingspan Commits to Net-Zero Energy with EWT Wind Turbine Technology Know more >>
EWT Direct Wind has delivered a DW52 900kW wind turbine at the manufacturing site of global industrial insulation business, Kingspan, at Holywell in North Wales. Marking a key milestone towards meeting Kingspan’s pledge to become a net-zero energy company by 2020, this project minimises the company’s environmental impact whilst cutting grid energy consumption and energy expenses.
Power Africa's Ohio visit to First Solar Know more >>
First Solar, a Power Africa partner, is the United State’s largest manufacturer of thin-film solar PV modules. First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems using advanced module and system technology.
Lighting Africa From Atlanta: Solar Contractor Sees Profitable Future in the Developing World Know more >>
EWT Direct Wind has delivered a DW52 900kW wind turbine at the manufacturing site of global industrial insulation business, Kingspan, at Holywell in North Wales. Marking a key milestone towards meeting Kingspan’s pledge to become a net-zero energy company by 2020, this project minimises the company’s environmental impact whilst cutting grid energy consumption and energy expenses.
TENDERS
Power Sector Financial Recovery Plan for Senelec View details >>
Submission deadline: 7th March 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Region: Senegal | Entity: IFC - International Finance Corporation
Energy Efficiency Opportunities in Senegals public sector View details >>
Submission deadline: 7th March 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Region: Senegal | Entity: IFC - International Finance Corporation
Baseline Survey of Public Buildings for Rooftop Solar in Senegal View details >>
Submission deadline: 7th March 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Region: Senegal | Entity: IFC - International Finance Corporation
Solar Risk Mitigation Initiative: e-Auction platform View details >>
Submission deadline: 20th March 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Region: N/A | Entity: IFC - International Finance Corporation
Supply and delivery of medium and low voltage electrical network equipment for the Ambatosia-Bealanana hydroelectric project View details >>
Submission deadline: 22nd April 2019 | Category: Supply
The “Africa Power Access Accelerator” program, by the African Power Platform, bridges the existing gap between project developers and consultants / technology providers / financiers. First application window closes on the 31st March 2019.
GRANTS
EEP Africa Gender-themed Call for Proposals More info >>
This call is focused on promoting leadership and economic opportunities for women across the clean energy sector. We are seeking applications that propose innovative approaches to gender inclusion while also supporting core business objectives and growth. Applicants can apply for early-stage grants and repayable grants between EUR 200,000 – 500,000. The minimum required co-financing is 30% of the total project budget.
Eligible Countries: Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Deadline: 2nd April 2019.
USAID De-Risking Pay-As-You-Go Solar Home Systems in Uganda Refugee Settlements Grants Program More info >>
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Green Powered Technology, in partnership with Energy 4 Impact, would like to invite eligible companies to submit proposals for expanding access to Pay-As-You-Go Solar Home Systems in the Kiryandongo and Rwamwanja Refugee Settlements & Host Communities in Uganda.
Eligible Country: Uganda | Deadline: 20th March 2019.
A New Instrument to Foster Large-Scale Renewable Energy Development and Private Investment in Africa Know more >>
Publication date: 2019, February | Author: RES4Med&Africa
RES4Med&Africa, in collaboration with its members led by PwC, released the new white paper “A New Instrument to Foster Large-Scale Renewable Energy Development and Private Investment in Africa”. In this white paper RES4Med&Africa analysed RE financing mechanisms’ best practices and weaknesses, thus stressing the need for a new instrument to support large scale RE plant development in Africa.
If you want to join the African Power Platform and enjoy the full set of benefits visit our membership page or contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Welcome to the eleventh African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
We have received over 50 applications to the Africa Power Access Accelerator program. They are under evaluation and feedback will be provided during this 2nd quarter. Meanwhile the 2nd application round is open. A big thank you to all that have been supporting this initiative.
On this edition we started publishing press releases that come our way. If you have relevant announcements to the power sector in Africa, we'd be pleased to circulate them.
We'd also like to drive your attention to a survey IRENA is conducting regarding institutional investments in renewable energy.
On the news side, we highlight the 2nd round of the Scaling Solar program moving forward in Ethiopia and we are talking about 500MW.
Seems Berkeley Energy is planning an exit, an anticipated strategy from a developer that never put up a structure to manage operating assets.
I've been to Rendeavour's Tatu City, in Nairobi's surroundings and it's a massive urban development, now being powered by 1 MW of rooftop solar.
Malawi, the warm heart of Africa, is seeing progress on the development of a large hydro, roughly same size of the country's existing installed capacity.
That's all for this week. Keep well, keep energized.
Meanwhile, the APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas is a firm believer in the social and economic growth of Africa. Here he speaks with Suzanne Pritchard about how the African Power Platform is striving to make Africa a brighter place for all.
FROM THE PRESS
EAST AFRICA: KawiSafi raises $70 million to expand solar off grid. Read the article >>
KawiSafi Ventures, an investment fund that finances companies specialising in off-grid solar energy, has raised $70 million for projects in East Africa. The financial mobilisation was carried out through Acumen Capital Partners, an organisation that invests in sustainable and socially responsible companies.
WEST AFRICA: ECOWAS and PFAN ink partnership to boost renewable energy. Read the article >>
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and the Private Finance Advisory Network (PFAN) have signed a partnership agreement to promote renewable energy within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
AFRICA: $20 million from AECF for solar kit suppliers from 5 countries. Read the article >>
The African Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), an investment fund set up by the British government, has published the list of the five African countries selected for the React Household Solar Round 2 competition. The objective is to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups that provide solar home-kits with a total investment of $20 million.
ETHIOPIA: Country eyes 500MW in IFC's Scaling Solar Round 2. Read the article >>
Ethiopia kickstarted the second round of its World Bank-led Scaling Solar programme with a 500MW solar tender, while the first 250MW round is still approaching the final proposal stage.
AFRICA: Renewables investor Berkeley hires JP Morgan to review options. Read the article >>
The founders of renewables energy investor Berkeley Energy have hired U.S. investment bank JP Morgan to evaluate options, including a sale, for the company’s investment funds, which could be worth around $500 million, banking sources said.
AFRICA: Ncondezi and GridX partner in solar mini-grids and storage. Read the article >>
Ncondezi Energy, a British company, and GridX Africa Development, a private power producer (PPP), are fine-tuning an agreement to create a joint venture specialising in solar mini grids for businesses and shops in Africa.
KENYA: Rendeavour finishes first project of its 30 MW plan for the country. Read the article >>
The African property developer has completed a 1 MW rooftop PV array at an industrial park in Nairobi. The installation is its first solar project in Kenya and part of a planned 30 MW rollout at Tatu City, its new mixed-use development in the capital.
MALAWI: Development agreement signed for 258-MW Mpatamanga hydropower project. Read the article >>
IFC InfraVentures has signed a joint development agreement with the government of Malawi to develop the 258-MW Mpatamanga hydropower project on the Shire River in Malawi.
AFRICA: Winch Energy secures multi million dollar investment in new partnership with AlGihaz Holding. Read the article >>
Funding will drive growth for Winch Energy in off grid energy and ancillary services.
ZIMBABWE: Independent power producers gear up for solar power plants. Read the article >>
Three independent power producers have applied to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) for licenses to establish solar power plants that will add about 100 MW to the national grid.
PRESS RELEASES
PRESS RELEASE: EDP supports six access to sustainable energy projects in Africa. Read the article >>
The new Fund launched by the group will boost education, health and community projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi, impacting the lives of 55,000 people.
PRESS RELEASE: Solar solution in the Serengeti enhances Singita’s lodge sustainability. Read the article >>
GridX Africa Development, in association with Solar Africa, has completed a state-of-the-art solar-battery system at Singita Faru Faru Lodge, in the western corridor of the Serengeti, Tanzania. The new energy system replaces existing diesel generation, with 90% of power to the lodge now sourced from renewables.
PRESS RELEASE: Putting markets to work: How Ghana will fund development projects through carbon finance. Read the article >>
Using carbon finance generated from investors’ sales of ITMOs to boost the share of the national green fund, will allow for high social impact, or climate change adaptation focused projects to go ahead.
New Southern Energy completes first floating PV project in South Africa Know more >>
New Southern Energy has completed the first floating PV project located in South Africa, with the installation operating at a dam next to a fruit farm just outside of Franschhoek in the country’s Western Cape province.
Eversheds Sutherland Creates Dedicated Global Innovation Team Know more >>
Eversheds Sutherland is pleased to announce the formation of a global innovation team dedicated to working with clients to address their most pressing priorities through creative and innovative solutions.
Electricity in South Africa seems bleak, but it's loaded with opportunity Know more >>
We have an extraordinary opportunity for electricity reform in South Africa. If our renewable resources are harnessed, we not only have 20 years of upskilling and job creation, but with our natural resources we could have, sustainably, the cheapest electricity in the world.
EWT launches the DW61, It’s most efficient and high energy producing wind turbine Know more >>
EWT, a leading supplier of distributed wind energy turbines, announces the launch of its most efficient and high energy producing wind turbine to date: the new 900kW EWT DW61.
Enerwhere Inaugurates Solar Rooftop Installation Carried out by Female Project Manager Know more >>
The inauguration ceremony was held for the commissioning of the 246 kWp solar installation on the roof of Kamal Osman Jamjoom Co. L.L.C., situated in Dubai Investment Park (DIP). The entire rooftop installation was managed by Sara Oda, a project manager for Enerwhere, the leading DEWA certified solar PV contractor based in Dubai.
TENDERS
MOZ183 - Feasibility Study for a small hydro power plant based mini-grid in Nintulo, Gurué district in the Province of Zambezia, Mozambique View details >>
Submission deadline: 27th May 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Country: Mozambique | Entity: Enabel
Expression of Interest – EPC for Malawi Golomoti Solar Power Project View details >>
Submission deadline: 6th May 2019 | Category: EPC
Country: Malawi | Entity: JCM Power
Construction of Two (02) Solar Power Plants and Associated Equipment at Koudougou (20 Mwc) and Kaya (10 Mwc) View details >>
Submission deadline: Extension to 20th May 2019 | Category: EPC
Country: Burkina Faso | Entity: SONABEL
Rural electrification works in the villages of Kindia Region and Nzérékoré Region - CLSG/VER View details >>
Submission deadline: 10th June 2019 | Category: EPC
Country: Guinea | Entity: Electricité de Guinée (EDG)
Design, Supply And Installation Of Integrated Management System For Nawec View details >>
Submission deadline: 24th May 2019 | Category: Supply
Country: The Gambia | Entity: NAWEC
Pre-Qualification for Development of Solar Hybrid Mini Grids for Rural Economic Development – Minimum Subsidy Tender (Phase 1 – 4 lots) View details >>
Submission deadline: 3rd June 2019 | Category: IPP
The “Africa Power Access Accelerator” program, by the African Power Platform, bridges the existing gap between project developers and consultants / technology providers / financiers. Second application window closes on the 30th June 2019.
GRANTS
Call for Expression of Interest for Powering Opportunities Partnership (POP) - Local Value Addition and Employment Creation (VA&EC) demonstration projects in sub-Saharan Africa More info >>
The second competition window under the Powering Opportunities Partnership (POP) is now open. It calls for demonstration projects related to Local Value Addition and Employment Creation in the upstream off-grid energy sector.
Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African countries, excluding South Africa
The Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program (K-CEP) and our partners, Global Cool Cities Alliance (GCCA) and SE4ALL, have launched the Million Cool Roofs Challenge, a $2 million global competition to increase access to affordable, sustainable cooling through the rapid deployment of highly solar-reflective “cool” roofs in developing countries suffering heat stress.
Eligible Countries: Checkhere| Deadline: 20th May 2019.
IRENA survey on institutional investors and renewable energy Take the Survey >>
As part of its mandate to help countries transition to a sustainable energy future, which necessitates a massive shift in capital flows towards renewable energy, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is currently undertaking a survey on the behavior of institutional investors in renewable energy and we would love to hear your view on this topic.
Objective of the survey is to gather qualitative and quantitative insights on institutional investments in the renewable energy sector, in order to identify challenges and offer solutions to stakeholders, including to policymakers of about 180 countries who regularly engage with IRENA.
FEATURED REPORT
Advancing Renewables in Developing Countries Know more >>
Publication date: 2019, January | Author: IRENA
The IRENA/ADFD Project Facility represents a partnership between the two key organisations to promote renewable energy in developing countries. This report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) reviews concrete progress over the first five years of their joint facility to finance such projects. Between 2014 and 2018, projects selected in five annual cycles were awarded concessional loans worth USD 214 million, with 16 projects subsequently advancing through various stages of implementation. Seven projects from early cycles reached the construction or installation stage, with renewable power generation set to start in 2019.
If you want to join the African Power Platform and enjoy the full set of benefits visit our membership page or contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Welcome to the twelfth African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
The countdown has started for the Africa Energy Forum, happening next month in Lisbon. We are preparing a subscription campaign during the event with great discounts up to 50% on the membership fee for membership at the APP. Watch out your email box for an update on this subject soon.
On the news side, from Uganda we got to know about a partnership between the utility company and small producers to increase access to power in rural areas on a sustainable way.
There is an article raising the issue about the generation surplus in East Africa, and the challenges countries are facing to manage the mismatch between demand and supply, due mainly to lack of infrastructure and slow industrialization.
In West Africa, a partnership between a developer in the C&I space and a crowdfunding platform shows the way for the captive market. Who will follow?
That's all for this week. Keep well, keep energized.
Meanwhile, the APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
ZIMBABWE: to launch new solar plants as it faces worst blackouts in three years. Read the article >>
The three solar photovoltaic power plants will be installed in Goromonzi, Bulawayo and the capital Harare. The first two will each have a 100 MW capacity while the last one will have a capacity of 50 MW.
UGANDA: shakes up electricity access amid global infrastructure reset. Read the article >>
Electricity providers in Uganda are teaming up to find a new business model to boost the speed and efficiency of getting power to those living without it, in the hope it can be copied in other parts of Africa and Asia.
SENEGAL: Dhybrid will build several 2 MW hybrid mini solar power plants. Read the article >>
The German company Dhybrid has been selected to build several small hybrid solar power plants with a total capacity of 2 MW in Senegal. The project is led by Omexom, a division of Vinci Energies.
Electricity consumers in East Africa will continue to pay high prices despite significant investments in generation plants that have resulted in surplus output of power.
West African solar energy company, Daystar Power, has partnered with Trine a Swedish investment platform to finance solar plants in West Africa.
ETHIOPIA: State will invest $1.8 billion in renewable energy transmission. Read the article >>
China agrees to support Ethiopia in its ambitious plan to produce renewable energy. On the sidelines of the Belt and Road Initiative Summit, held from April 25 to 27, 2019 in Beijing, the Middle Kingdom promised to provide $1.8 billion to the Ethiopian government. The loan is intended for the development of the electricity transmission and distribution network.
MALI: Africa GreenTec installs containerised solar mini grid in Fanidiama. Read the article >>
The German start-up, Africa GreenTec, is installing a mini solar containerised grid in Fanidiama village, located in the Sikasso region of southeast Mali. Equipped with batteries, the containerised mini-grid has a capacity of 45 kWp.
PRESS RELEASES
PRESS RELEASE: AMMP Technologies secures investment to bring data-driven advances to off-grid energy operations across Africa. Read the article >>
AMMP Technologies B.V., the pioneer in operational software solutions for off-grid energy in emerging markets, recently secured a funding round from a consortium of angel investors. This funding will enable the company to further accelerate growth in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
JCM Power and CowaterSogema partner on improving maternal and child health in Malawi Know more >>
JCM Power and CowaterSogema are joining forces in Malawi where both Canadian companies are active. JCM Power recently launched a solar-voltaic project in Salima while CowaterSogema has been implementing a maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) initiative for the past two years in Chitipa and Kasungu districts.
Nigeria, US firms to power 25 communities with solar energy Know more >>
A Nigerian firm, Community Energy Social Enterprises Limited on Tuesday signed a $767, 512 MoU with Renewvia Energy Corporation, an American company to provide solar energy for the communities on ‘pay-as- you-go’ basis.
A look at Robben Island’s R25 million solar plant Know more >>
The micro-grid solar project was designed and constructed by Sola Future Energy, the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner of the department of tourism, using CS6U- 340M Canadian Solar modules.
Madagascar Signs the RLSF Memorandum of Understanding – a Renewable Energy Facility aimed at supporting the government its renewable energy objectives Know more >>
The Government of Madagascar and the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI) signed an agreement that allows Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the country to now access the Regional Liquidity Support Facility (RLSF). With the help of the Facility, the Government of Madagascar is hoping to develop its renewable energy sector.
RECOM expands operations in France, moves headquarters Know more >>
RECOM, Europe’s largest solar manufacturer, reinforces commitment to the growing French market by increasing manufacturing capacities and investments.
TENDERS
Strengthening Regional Electricity Distribution Network-Benin View details >>
Submission deadline: 18th June 2019 | Category: EPC
Country: Benin | Entity: Millennium Challenge Account-Benin II
Redundancy in EdM Substations in Lichinga and Maputo under Lot 1 as well as Power Compensation System Protection and Control in Substation of Central and Northern Region under Lot 3 View details >>
Submission deadline: 12th July 2019 | Category: EPC
Country: Mozambique | Entity: Electricidade de Moçambique (EdM)
Call for Investment Proposals (Mini-Grids and Energy Centres) View details >>
Submission deadline: 14th June 2019 | Category: IPP
Country: Lesotho | Entity: Ministry of Energy and Meteorology (MEM)
Consultancy Services to Undertake Bioenergy development strategy and investment plan for Western Africa region View details >>
Submission deadline: 31st May 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Countries: West Africa | Entity: The African Union Commission
Grid Study for Renewable Energy and Storage Development in Zanzibar View details >>
Submission deadline: 30th May 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Country: Zanzibar, Tanzania | Entity: IFC - International Finance Corporation
Selection of a consultant (firm) to conduct the ECOWAS community institutions and specialized agencies staff skills audit View details >>
Submission deadline: 3rd June 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Country: Nigeria | Entity: ECOWAS Commission
Consultant for Development of Renewable Energy Fuels Standards for the ECOWAS Region View details >>
Submission deadline: 3rd June 2019 | Category: Consultancy
The “Africa Power Access Accelerator” program, by the African Power Platform, bridges the existing gap between project developers and consultants / technology providers / financiers. Second application window closes on the 30th June 2019.
GRANTS
SDG Results: Access to renewable energy More info >>
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Netherlands, in cooperation with executer Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl), uses the SDG 7 Results facility as a contribution to sustainable development goals achievements in developing countries. In particular SDG 7.
SADC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Status Report 2018 Know more >>
Publication date: 2019, January | Author: SADC
The 2018 SADC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Status Report builds on the initial status report for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) issued by REN21 in 2015. It provides an updated review of renewable energy and energy efficiency developments in the SADC region, including market trends and related activities, achievements in renewable energy on- and off-grid, achievements in energy efficiency, evolving policy landscapes and investment flows.
If you want to join the African Power Platform and enjoy the full set of benefits visit our membership page or contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Welcome to the thirteenth African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
June has been a great month, with a lot happening in the power sector and during the Africa Energy Forum in Lisbon.
At the APP, we welcome the new members Glosya Infrastructures and Ric Energy and we have created a new section for job opportunities where we are posting open positions in the sector through Africa.
The selection of news this week is dominated buy solar projects, off-grid and financing, showing that those are the hottest trends.
I'd like to drive your attention to the issues of financial guarantees, key requirements to unlock power projects, now that sovereign guarantees are almost impossible to get. My good friend Jef Vincent is an expert working with IRENA on setting up a marketplace for that, the RAMP. For more details, please go through the paper he kindly shared.
We've introduced the C&I subject on previous newsletter and in partnership with the new member Ric Energy we are preparing a program for development of C&I captive power projects across Africa. Watch out for more info in coming editions.
That's all for this week. Keep well, keep energized.
Meanwhile, the APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
NIGERIA: EU okays 165m euros for Nigeria’s renewable energy. Read the article >>
Its Head of Delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ketil Karslen, said all was set for the funds to support the aspirations of the Federal Government to improve electricity supply and grow the economy.
AFRICA: AfDB grants $500 million credit for electrification from renewable energy sources. Read the article >>
Good news for renewable energy project developers in Africa, who now have an additional $500 million in funding to carry out their projects. Called the Energy Inclusion Facility (EIF), the line of credit is opened by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
ESWATINI: South Africa's CONCO wins solar power project. Read the article >>
South Africa’s Consolidated Infrastructure Group (CONCO) has won a $16 million contract to build a 10 megawatt solar project in eSwatini, the firm said late on Thursday.
US firm MCX Environmental Energy Corp will invest US$100 million to deploy a 30MW plant onsite at the Mwale Medical and Technology City (MMTC), an hour-drive north from Lake Victoria.
The Malagasy government has announced three PV projects, each with a 5 MW generation capacity, will be built this year. The nation’s cumulative installed solar capacity was only 33 MW at the end of last year.
RWANDA: Dutch company Nots to invest $70m in solar factory. Read the article >>
The Rwandan government signed an agreement with Nots under which the Dutch company will invest $70 million in a factory that will manufacture equipment for home solar kit suppliers.
On the second day of the Africa Energy Forum (11-14 June 2019), during a round table devoted to private investment trends and IPPs (independent private power producers), which are very active in renewable energy, there was a pressing demand from all participants: let's accelerate projects!
SEYCHELLES: Africa’s first utility-scale floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) project in the offing. Read the article >>
The project being implemented by the Government of Seychelles will be located in Providence lagoon on Mahé Island and will have an estimated capacity between 3.5 – 4 MWAC.
AFRICA: MyHydro Energy Venture Launched As Trump Initiative for Africa is Unveiled. Read the article >>
Symbion Power - based in New York - along with Natel Energy of San Francisco, have created a new energy utility platform called MyHydro. This mini-hydro system will deliver affordable power to villages and towns on a round-the-clock basis by converting water-flow into electrical energy.
AFRICA: Azuri Technologies raises $26 million to expand solar kit business. Read the article >>
UK-based Azuri Technologies said it has raised $26 million to expand its individual solar kit business to cater to African households.
KENYA to invest $47m World Bank loan in off-grid solar energy in far-flung regions. Read the article >>
The facility, under the Kenya-Off-Grid Solar Access Project (Kosap), is seeking to establish viable off-grid solutions for areas that are too far from the national grid to be economically viable when using power transmission and distribution facilities. Kosap is set to receive a total of $150 billion from the World Bank.
AFRICA: Five takeaways from the Africa Energy Forum 2019. Read the article >>
This year’s Africa Energy Forum (AEF) considered the plethora of issues concerning power across the continent. Finance is always a burning issue, as is regulatory reform, but even solving those thorny problems will not ensure a smooth path for African renewables. African utilities need reform to achieve and sustain long term power investment. Moreover, one solution doesn’t fit all in such an extensive, exuberant and varied market.
EAST AFRICA: Pan-African financier to fund green energy projects. Read the article >>
Pan African financier, Trade and Development Bank (TDB), plans to fund green energy projects in east Africa, officials said on Tuesday.
NIGERIA: IFC, Nigeria develop standards for solar products. Read the article >>
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, are collaborating to develop standards for Pico photovoltaic products and solar home systems.
PRESS RELEASES
IRENA RAMP: Introducing the Risk Assessment and Mitigation Platform for renewable energy development. Read the article >>
RAMP will help to see through the maze of eligibility criteria and facilitate direct contacts if & when there is a match between a provider and a potential user of a risk mitigation instrument.
ATI & KfW unveil the Transparency Tool – an energy solution designed to quicken the pace of electrification in Africa. Read the article >>
The Transparency Tool is an on-line platform that works in tandem with another innovation created by the duo, the Regional Liquidity Support Facility (RLSF). Both solutions support Independent Power Producers (IPPs), one of the important providers of energy, who are key to unlocking the renewable energy potential in Africa.
Power Africa Announces Grant Winners to Improve Energy Access in Uganda Refugee Settlements. Read the article >>
USAID through the U.S. Government’s Power Africa partnership, awarded $465,000 in grants to three private companies to improve energy access and enhance livelihoods and services for Uganda’s refugee and host communities. USAID Uganda Acting Mission Director Rick Somarriba and Power Africa Deputy Coordinator Richard Nelson congratulated Fenix International, Brightlife, and SolarNow for their winning proposals, awarded through the USAID Power Africa De-Risking Pay-As-You-Go Solar Home Systems initiative.
A new solar hybrid mini-grid was officially launched in Rutenderi, Rwanda. Read the article >>
Absolute Energy (AE) with the support of EnDev Rwanda, implemented by GIZ, celebrated the official launch of their 50kW solar PV and storage hybrid mini-grid in Rutenderi Village, Gatsibo district, Rwanda.
WMACA and Eversheds Sutherland join forces to fight against child abuse Know more >>
Women & Men Against Child Abuse and Eversheds Sutherland in South Africa are extremely honoured to announce their partnership and the establishment of a Child Law Clinic during Child Protection Week in our joint quest to improve the plight of abused children in South Africa.
Companies merge into Sola Group to meet renewable energy demand Know more >>
Aurora Power Solutions and Sola Future Energy are combining forces to form Sola Group, bringing together a large solar project pipeline, including 48 MW in Zambia and 79 MW in South Africa.
TENDERS
Mozambique Small Scale Solar PV Portfolio: Assessment of battery storage options View details >>
Submission deadline: 11th July 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Country: Mozambique | Entity: IFC
Design and Installation of a Photovoltaic Array and Ancillary Equipment for New Accommodation Building, Koulikoro Training Camp- EU Training Mission, MALI View details >>
Submission deadline: 12th July 2019 | Category: EPC
Country: Mali | Entity: European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali)
Consulting services for developing a National Electrification Strategy (NES) for the Government of Zambia View details >>
Submission deadline: 12th July 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Pre-Qualification of EPC Contractors for procurement of Plant Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning under Tanesco Transmition Grid Rehabilitation and Upgrade Project (TTGRUP) for Rehabilitation of Nine (9) Grid Connected Substations under lot 1, 2 & 3 View details >>
Submission deadline: 18th May 2019 | Category: EPC
Country: Tanzania | Entity: Tanesco
Support to tendering processes for the construction of plants from renewable energies: Detailed technical studies for the realization of decentralized production plants using renewable energies View details >>
Submission deadline: 30th July 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Country: Ivory Coast | Entity: European Commission
Construction and installation of renewable energy systems at National Teacher Training Colleges & Vocational Training Institutes in Uganda View details >>
Submission deadline: 13th August 2019 | Category: Construction
The “Africa Power Access Accelerator” program, by the African Power Platform, bridges the existing gap between project developers and consultants / technology providers / financiers. Third application window closes on the 30th September 2019. Results from first application window will be announced soon.
Promoting Agriculture Competitiveness through solar energy Know more >>
Publication date: 2019, May | Author: ECREEE / Spanish Cooperation
Improvements in infrastructure, access to technology and markets are all key to increasing competitiveness of agriculture in West Africa. Sustainable energy solutions can contribute to these needs throughout the life of the crop: from irrigation to processing for final consumption. Electricity demand from agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to double between 2015 and 2030 (World Bank, 2017).
Senior Investment Officer – Renewable Energy Debt Financing (based in Nairobi) View details >>
Published: 24th May 2019 | Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Description: We are seeking applications from candidates with Renewable Energy Debt Financing experiences in Sub Saharan Africa. Must have 7-9 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in a banking, private debt/equity fund or development finance environment.
If you want to join the African Power Platform and enjoy the full set of benefits visit our membership page or contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Welcome to the fourteenth African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
During August, the shortlisted projects from the 1st round of the Africa Power Access Accelerator program will be announced.
In September we will attend the Future Energy East Africa event, happening in Nairobi on the 17th and 18th. Join us there for a chat over C&I opportunities. We are focused on drafting the accelerator program for this sector.
In terms of news, in Nigeria the mess continues on the 14 PPAs for solar PV signed a couple of years ago. Now it seems a tariff renegotiation is being proposed.
In Kenya, the shift from fossil fuels towards renewables and economic stability is allowing President Kenyatta to announce a 30% tariff reduction for manufacturers, a rare event in a continent where most utilities push governments to raise tariffs.
Lastly, Zimbabwe is suffering from serious blackouts and the economic instability doesn't help to sort out the issue. I'd say more in-country generation from renewables would be the solution, but as we well know it ends up being more complex that that. Without support of DFIs it will be hard for the private sector to jump in and have a meaningful impact.
That's all for this week. Keep well, keep energized.
Meanwhile, the APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
AFRICA: Financial hurdles in scaling up solar for C&I customers. Read the article >>
Sub-Saharan Africa is fertile ground for solar because of its immense energy deficit and crumbling infrastructure. At present, the region (excluding South Africa) has only 735MW of installed solar capacity – selling electricity to the grid, equivalent to a mere 0.7% of the 108GW of solar built globally in 2018.
NIGERIA: aims to lower solar electricity tariffs agreed three years ago. Read the article >>
A recurring situation, when solar projects face implementation delays after PPA signing, renegotiation on tariffs will come up sooner or later.
AFRICA: Germany Africa Business Forum announces funds for energy startups. Read the article >>
The Germany Africa Business Forum (GABF) announced Thursday a multimillion-Euro funding commitment to invest in German energy startups that focus on Africa.
AFRICA: Egypt to build solar power plants in 7 African countries. Read the article >>
The Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI), one of the largest industrial organisations in Egypt, will launch solar power plants in Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan, with capacities ranging from 2 to 4 megawatts, according to Egyptian media.
SENEGAL: Proparco, EIB, IFC commit €47.5 million for solar energy. Read the article >>
The European Investment Bank and the International Finance Corporation have announced €47.5 million to finance the construction of two photovoltaic solar power plants In Senegal.
KENYA: President Kenyatta assures manufacturers of 30% electricity cost reduction. Read the article >>
President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured manufacturers that the government is in the process of rolling out a 30 percent electricity cost reduction plan to be implemented through a rebate system. Very few African countries can afford to undertake power tariff reductions.
Namibia’s state-run utility will build four plants powered by renewable energy over the next five years as the southern African nation seeks to guarantee local supplies and cut its use of fossil fuels. The plants, which will harness biomass, solar and wind to generate a combined 220 megawatts, will cost 4.7 billion Namibian dollars ($338 million).
MALI: Efforts to improve access to renewable energy gets a boost. Read the article >>
The World Bank’s board of executive directors approved a $22.7 million financing to support Mali’s efforts to promote the deployment of renewable energy in rural areas.
AFRICA: IRENA and RES4Africa explore public-private initiatives. Read the article >>
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the RES4Africa Foundation have agreed to cooperate to increase the speed of renewable energy development in Africa in the pursuit of the continent’s sustainable development and climate goals.
ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwe's Econet weighs drastic measures over 'untenable' power cuts. Read the article >>
Zimbabwe’s largest mobile operator Econet Wireless said it will take “drastic measures” if the impacts of severe rolling blackouts cannot be resolved, adding that the power cuts had left its operation unsustainable.
AFRICA: Renewable Energy Creating Skilled Jobs In Africa & Asia. Read the article >>
More than creating direct jobs, energy access indirectly enables jobs and businesses in rural communities.
PRESS RELEASES
Fenix reaches 500,000 customers in 6 markets and announces new leadership team. Read the article >>
Fenix International, a company of ENGIE, offering solar home systems across Africa, has appointed co-founder and current COO Brian Warshawsky to the role of CEO to drive the next phase of the company’s ambitious growth plans.
JinkoSolar Awarded Frost & Sullivan 2019 Global Solar PV Technology Leadership Award. Read the article >>
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today announced that it was recognized for augmenting solar PV efficiency in a cost-effective manner with the Frost & Sullivan 2019 Global Solar PV Technology Leadership Award.
REDAVIA Partners With Lendahand to Crowdfund Upcoming Solar Farms. Read the article >>
REDAVIA, a global market leader of cost-effective, reliable and clean solar power for businesses and communities, has launched a crowdfunding initiative to fund 10 upcoming solar Units in partnership with Lendahand, an online impact investing platform where socially conscious investors can invest in entrepreneurs and sustainable initiatives in emerging countries.
ROGEP intensifies its call to increase energy access through standalone solar systems. Read the article >>
The Third Regional Off-Grid Electrification Project (ROGEP) has opened in the Togolese capital Lome. The theme of the convergence is ‘Strengthening Partnership for an Accelerated deployment of Standalone Solar Systems in West Africa and the Sahel’.
Hilton’s Cape Town City Centre Begins Operation of Rooftop Solar System Know more >>
Hilton Cape Town City Centre’s recently installed Solarus solar system, on the building’s roof, is now fully operational. This large hybrid photovoltaic and thermal (PVT) system, which provides the luxury hotel with both heat and electricity for its 137 hotel rooms, will not only be a cost-effective solution for the hotel, the reduction of CO2 will also be significant.
Construction of the 60MW Salima Solar project advances in Malawi Know more >>
Construction of the 60MWAC solar project in the District of Salima, Malawi advances with the arrival and installation of equipment and materials on site.
US firms to power 25 communities with solar energy in Nigeria Know more >>
A Nigerian firm, Community Energy Social Enterprises Limited on Tuesday signed a $767, 512 MoU with Renewvia Energy Corporation, an American company to provide solar energy for the communities on ‘pay-as- you-go’ basis.
MUFG signs MoU with the African Trade Insurance Agency Know more >>
MUFG Bank, Ltd. (MUFG) and the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI), Africa’s only multilateral trade and political risk insurer, today signed an agreement that will allow for increased cooperation and information sharing in order to support ATI’s member countries as well as MUFG’s clients in Africa.
TENDERS
Support to tendering processes for the construction of plants from renewable energies: Technical studies of photovoltaic power plants View details >>
Submission deadline: 12th August 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Country: Ivory Coast | Entity: European Commission
Recruitment of a consulting firm for the elaboration of 30 potential minigrid sites feasibility study, rollout plan and tender documents View details >>
Submission deadline: 15th August 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Country: Rwanda | Entity: AfDB
Supply and installation of 33/11KV primary substation & interconnecting circuits at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi (EDSREP) View details >>
Submission deadline: 23rd August 2019 | Category: Construction
Country: Ghana | Entity: ECG
RFQ 40MW Solar Procurement of New Generation Capacity in Eswatini View details >>
Submission deadline: 23rd August 2019 | Category: IPP
Countries: Eswatini | Entity: Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA)
Training Services: Renewable Energy Capacity Building Programme View details >>
Submission deadline: 23rd August 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Country: Ethiopia | Entity: African Union
Procurement of Consultancy services for Impact Assessment of Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP) View details >>
Submission deadline: 27th August 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Country: Kenya | Entity: World Bank
Supply of One Thousand (1,000) Smart Meters for EUCL’S Big Custo View details >>
Submission deadline: 30th August 2019 | Category: Supply
Country: Rwanda | Entity: EDCL
Plant Design, Supply, and Installation for the Construction and Rehabilitation of MV Lines for Distribution Network in Kigali View details >>
Submission deadline: 13th September 2019 | Category: Construction
The Know more >>“Africa Power Access Accelerator” program, by the African Power Platform, bridges the existing gap between project developers and consultants / technology providers / financiers. Third application window closes on the 30th September 2019. Results from first application window will be announced soon.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The 2019 IEEE PES-IAS PowerAfrica Conference Know more >>
Date: 20 - 23 August 2019 | Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Energy for Food Security: Enhancing people’s food security with improved energy access Know more >>
Publication date: 2019, July | Author: World Food Programme (WFP)
WFP’s efforts to achieve zero hunger can be strengthened by providing the energy beneficiaries need for producing, transforming and consuming food, which will enhance both their food security and nutrition.
Published: 1st August 2019 | Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Description: SNV Kenya/Burundi is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Sector Leader Energy. As the Sector Leader you will be responsible for the overall quality of programme development and implementation, business development and overall steering of the SNV Kenya and Burundi Energy projects.
Published: 2nd August 2019 | Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Description: Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will be responsible for strategic leadership, Business Unit development and oversight, coordinating interfaces among Business Units and Supporting Business Units, team and culture building, and core operational functions.
Senior Legal and Public-Private Partnership Advisor, East Africa View details >>
Published: 29th July 2019 | Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Description: RTI International is recruiting for a Senior Legal and Public-Private Partnership Advisor for the East Africa Energy Program under the Power Africa Initiative by USAID Under the authority of the COP, this person is responsible for the coordination of technical assistance, transaction advisory, community engagement, and institutional performance improvement activities benefitting host-country governments, regulators, and utilities.
Technical Assistance Manager – Access to Energy (A2E) View details >>
Published: 29th July 2019 | Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Description: As Technical Assistance (TA) Manager you will be responsible for developing and managing the EEGF TA facility in close coordination with the EEGF investment team and partners. At least 7 years of relevant working experience in program management, consulting and TA in the field of entrepreneurship/private sector development in emerging markets.
If you want to join the African Power Platform and enjoy the full set of benefits visit our membership page or contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Welcome to the fifteenth African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
We are having final discussions with applicants for the 1st round of the African Power Access Accelerator program (APAA) and shortlisted projects will be announced soon.
In September we have attended the Future Energy East Africa event in Nairobi and came back amazed with the activity Kenya is seeing in the C&I sector.
In terms of news, from South Africa we get to know that Eskom continues getting the support for a successful turnaround plan and at same time is launching a large scale storage battery tender.
The renewables entrepreneurship ecosystem keeps producing successful cases, this time with Easy Solar getting an award.
Angola and Nigeria are getting support from the AfDB through the SEFA program to improve the renewables framework and enable the private sector to contribute to the energy transition towards a greener mix, less oil dependent.
From Zimbabwe we keep getting news that Solar PV pipeline is growing big but our concerns go to implementation capabilities, both from private sponsors and local authorities. We'll follow up on this subject and let you know the findings in coming editions.
That's all for this week. Keep well, keep energized.
Meanwhile, the APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
SOUTH AFRICA: Eskom Is ‘Too Big to Fail,’ African Development Bank Chief Says. Read the article >>
South Africa’s struggling state power company Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. is “too big to fail,” and the continent’s new free-trade deal will help Africa dodge the worst of a global economic downturn, the head of the African Development Bank said.
AFRICA: 3 European countries provide $350 million for solar energy and energy storage. Read the article >>
France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have committed $350 million to invest in solar energy in Africa and electricity storage. It is a strategic investment at a time when Africa is relying on renewable energy to provide access to electricity for its population.
SIERRA LEONE: Easy Solar wins global entrepreneurship award. Read the article >>
Easy Solar, an energy startup in Sierra Leone, was recognized as a leader of global social innovation for 2019 along with 19 others across the world, chosen by the World Economic Forum (WEF) to receive the Schwab Foundation Outstanding Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
ZIMBABWE: 39 solar power projects approved for development. Read the article >>
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has processed 39 solar power projects that have capacity to generate up 1,151.87MW, as the country moves towards renewable energy to increase capacity.
AFRICA: Eni, Mainstream to develop large-scale renewable assets. Read the article >>
Italian oil major Eni announced Wednesday a cooperation deal with Mainstream Renewable Power to develop large-scale renewables projects in the UK, Africa and Southeast Asia.
NIGERIA: Daystar Power installs the 100th solar energy system. Read the article >>
The West African solar energy company Daystar Power has installed a solar energy system at a branch of Unity Bank in Bauchi, Nigeria, the 100th solar power system since the company was founded in 2017.
SOUTH AFRICA: Eskom Preparing First Large-Scale Battery Tender. Read the article >>
South Africa’s utility Eskom is preparing to launch a tender for 1.4 gigawatt-hours of battery storage that will need to be installed by December 2021.
Ethiopia’s state-owned utility the Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) has issued an invitation for bids to seek developers to deploy solar mini-grids in 25 villages, with the projects financed by the African Development Bank.
ANGOLA: to install 30,000 solar energy production systems. Read the article >>
The Angolan government plans to install about 30,000 solar photovoltaic systems in rural areas to produce 600 MW of electricity in the Central African nation.
AFRICA: The Big 5 Africa’s fastest growing solar energy markets. Read the article >>
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), last year’s growth was primarily driven by five specific countries: Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia and Ghana.
NIGERIA: African Development Bank’s SEFA approves US$500k grant for clean energy. Read the article >>
The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), managed by the African Development Bank, has approved a US$500,000 grant to support the development and launch of the Nigeria Energy Access Fund (NEAF).
USTDA committed funding for a feasibility study to help Xenergi Nigeria Ltd. expand and construct a natural gas gathering and processing plant that will substantially increase access to customers in the Niger Delta region.
G5 Sahel Summit: African Development Bank, partners, commit to light up and power the Sahel with the Desert to Power initiative. Read the article >>
The G5 Sahel is a strategic framework for regional cooperation created in 2014. It includes Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad.
USADF and Nithio Partner to Enhance Access to Clean Energy in Kenya. Read the article >>
USADF’s new partnership with an innovative energy finance company will enable the agency to build on its investments to bring off-grid energy solutions to underserved communities in Africa.
Sola Group obtains $26 million to supply off-grid to companies Know more >>
Off-grid supplier Sola Group recently obtained 400 million South African rand (about 26 million dollars) from two financial institutions. These new funds will be used to provide the solar off-grid to companies.
Swiss firms help build professional skills in Africa Know more >>
Business leaders and diplomats met during the opening of Africa Business Day, held in Zug last month, where attended Nicolas Crettenand, Managing Director of Glosya Infrastructures.
Ghana finalizes membership in the African Trade Insurance Agency by signing the first financing agreement under the Reform and Investment Partnership with Germany Know more >>
Membership in ATI will unlock additional investment insurance capacity, helping to lower Ghana’s borrowing costs and increase investments.
Submission deadline: GPN | Category: Consultancy and Works
Region: Mozambique | Entity: Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM)
Capacity Building to Power Sector Recovery Project in São Tome and Principe View details >>
Submission deadline: prior information only | Category: Consultancy
Region: Sao Tome and Principe | Entity: European Investment Bank
Request for Expression for Recruitment of Consultancy Firm to Review the Design and Supervision of the Construction Works for Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant Project (43.5MW) View details >>
Submission deadline: 3rd October 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Country: Rwanda | Entity: EDCL
Consultant for Malawi Loss Reduction Initiative View details >>
Submission deadline: 8th October 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Countries: Malawi | Entity: IFC
Request for Expressions of Interest for the Consultancy Services to carry out an Assessment of the Institutional and Performance Review for Rwanda Energy Group (Reg) and Subsidiaries View details >>
Submission deadline: 10th October 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Country: Rwanda | Entity: Energy Utility Corporation Limited - EUCL
Procurement of Consultancy Services for Training Needs Assessment View details >>
Submission deadline: 21st October 2019 | Category: Consultancy
Country: Kenya | Entity: Rural Electrification Agency
Definition and implementation of a regional grid code for transmission network View details >>
Submission deadline: 30th August 2019 | Category: Supply
Country: West Africa | Entity: West African Power Pool (WAPP)
Supply and Installation of Kaiha 2 small Hydro power plant in Lofa County View details >>
Submission deadline: 25th October 2019 | Category: Construction
Country: Liberia | Entity: Rural and Renewable Energy Agency
Rethinking Power Sector Reform in the Developing World Know more >>
Publication date: 2019, September | Author: World Bank
Rethinking Power Sector Reform in the Developing World is a multiyear initiative that aims to refresh the policy debate, by presenting a comprehensive picture of developing country experience with power sector reform that distills the lessons learned over the last 25 years and reflects on how recent technological trends that are disrupting the sector may call for new thinking on reform strategies.
Published: 10th September 2019 | Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Description: The position is tasked with managing NGU customers, building solutions and driving revenue growth for B2B in NGU’s including expansion into new territories. The Expansion team is responsible for managing NGU relations, implementing solutions and driving growth as per agreed business plan. This is a strategic role supporting the commercial objectives and goals of. It is expected that the team will use market knowledge and understanding to feed into the Innovation cycle.
Senior Technical Advisor (Kenya Market Development Advisor) View details >>
Published: 16th September 2019 | Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Description: Kenya Market Development Advisor will provide direct advice to solar home system (SHS) and mini-grid (MG) companies. The advisor will act as a market facilitator for companies entering the Kenyan market, and/or supporting existing companies looking to scale up operations. The Advisor will link private developers and entrepreneurs with suitable sources of project development finances.
Published: 20th September 2019 | Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Description: As a Project Manager within the Customer Credit team, you will be a part of revolutionizing credit and financial inclusion for the base of the pyramid. The role will report to the Customer Credit Manager and will work cross-functionally with the rest of our commercial team, customer experience, product development, operations, marketing, and technical teams on the ground to help design, execute, assess and refine innovative consumer finance projects at Fenix.
Welcome to the sixteenth African Power Platform (APP) newsletter.
This is the last newsletter of 2019, some of you will only read it already in 2020.
Every year a lot happens in the power sector in Africa, but unfortunately a lot less than the continent's people need.
There is no miracle available to fix the issue.
We are left with the combined daily effort of all the parties that took this challenge in their hands.
The APP is part of that crowd, actively fighting for lighting up Africa, despite all the issues and setbacks.
For 2020 we renew our commitment for continued support to the cause.
That's all for this week. Keep well, keep energized.
Meanwhile, the APP keeps here, serving the power industry in Africa.
Jorge Lascas
Founder & Managing Director
FROM THE PRESS
MALI: Scatec Solar and EDM conclude PPA for Ségou power plant (33 MWp). Read the article >>
The power purchase agreement (PPA) for the Ségou solar project has just been signed by the Norwegian independent power producer Scatec Solar and Energie du Mali (EDM), the public company in charge of electricity production, transmission and distribution.
ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwe is endowed with abundant renewable energy resources largely untapped. Read the article >>
Zimbabwe is endowed with abundant renewable energy resources such as solar and hydropower near natural landmarks such as Victoria Falls—not to mention biomass, geothermal, and wind energy—that present a major opportunity for investment. But these resources have remained largely untapped.
AFRICA: US$20m raise for solar power projects in Africa by Rensource Energy. Read the article >>
Rensource Energy, the Nigerian startup has raised a $20 million Series A round co-led by CRE Venture Capital and the Omidyar Network for solar power projects in Africa. The company that deals with renewable energy manufacture and operates solar-powered micro-utilities that provide electricity to commercial community structures, such as open-air trading bazaars.
ETHIOPIA: ACWA Power progresses Ethiopia solar bid with ‘first of a kind’ 250MW solar PPA. Read the article >>
ACWA Power has penned two long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Ethiopia’s state-owned Ethiopian Electric Power for 250MWac of solar in the nation.
ZAMBIA: Zambian government lauds Huawei for promoting access to electricity. Read the article >>
The Zambian government has said the tech giant Huawei’s to construct a solar mini-grid power station in Mwinilunga District in the North-western Province of Zambia will help improve lives and bring about more economic activities in the recipient community and beyond.
MALAWI: Phanes Group finances $67M for the Nkhotakota Solar Power Plant. Read the article >>
The Nkhotakota Solar Power Plant, one of the first solar projects in Malawi, has completed its financing round after raising $67 million. The first works have started at Nkhotakota, and construction of the first phase is expected to be completed by March 2020. Once completed, the project will add 46 MW of clean energy to the local power supply.
The Sahofika hydro-power project in Madagascar has received funding from the African Development Bank which recently gave the green light to a Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG) of US$100 million to support , which will provide an additional 205MW of renewable energy generation capacity to the national grid, benefitting over 2 million people.
AFRICA: African experts says access to clean energy key to boosting food security. Read the article >>
The experts from Malabo Montpellier Panel in their report titled "In Energized: Policy innovation to power the transformation of Africa's agriculture and food system," said that access to clean energy will improve productivity at smallholder level to alleviate poverty, hunger and malnutrition.
TOGO: BOAD finances Blitta’s solar power plant with €10.7 million. Read the article >>
The West African Development Bank (BOAD) has decided to release a 10.7 million euro envelope to support the development of a solar power plant in Togo. This park, with a capacity of 50 MW, will provide electricity to about 30,000 households.
AFRICA: Off-Grid, Mini-Grid Technologies Critical For Africa, Report Says. Read the article >>
Expanding energy access across Africa with off-grid and mini-grid technologies offers $120 billion a year opportunity to power rural transformation, says a new report.
NIGERIA: REA Signs Agreement with PowerGen Renewable Energy Nigeria Limited for Mini Grid Performance Based Grant (PBG) Read the article >>
PowerGen having successfully implemented the transformative project in Rokota community, Edati LGA, Niger State. The first project to be Commissioned for the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), under the Performance-Based Grant delivered a solar hybrid mini grid power plant within 2 months, a record time.
PRESS RELEASES
On track to deliver clean electricity through Kathu and Ilanga-1. Read the article >>
When it comes to Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), SENER prides itself as a world leader in innovative and sustainable solutions for clean energy. This year has seen us achieve some of our most outstanding milestones since the start of operations in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province.
Wärtsilä Modular Block solution to modernise power generation in a Malian gold mine. Read the article >>
The technology group Wärtsilä announces the first order of its innovative new Wärtsilä Modular Block solution for power generation to Aggreko, a global provider of mobile, modular power, temperature control and energy services. Four Wärtsilä Modular Block enclosures with one medium-speed Wärtsilä 32 engine in each, will provide 40 MW of energy to Resolute Mining’s Syama off-grid gold mine in Mali, Africa. The Modular Block order was placed by Aggreko in November 2019. This contract is the first one signed under the cooperation agreement between Wärtsilä and Aggreko, that was announced in June this year.
African Development Bank approves $21.783 million grant for roll out of solar-powered irrigation in Sudan. Read the article >>
The African Development Bank’s Board of Directors has approved a grant to the government of Sudan to accelerate the adoption of solar-powered irrigation pumps in the country’s West Kordofan and North Kordofan states.
EDP invests 3 million in Rensource for promoting company's expansion in Nigeria Read the article >>
The investment secures a share in Rensource, a company which develops decentralized solar energy systems for small businesses and micro-companies. The plan reinforces the strategy to widen access to sustainable energy in the african continent.
FinDev Canada supports expansion of renewable energy in developing countries through investment in JCM Power Know more >>
Investment will lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, while providing more reliable and affordable power and creating local jobs and opportunities
AfDB’s SEFA grants nearly $1 million to support solar-hydro hybrid project in Burundi Know more >>
The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), managed by the African Development Bank, has approved a $990,000 grant to support the preparation of a 9-MW solar-hydro hybrid project in Burundi.
Chubb Makes Equity Investment in African Trade Insurance Agency Know more >>
Chubb is the first global property and casualty insurer to invest in Africa’s leading multilateral political risk and credit insurance agency.
TENDERS
Procurement of Legal Advisory Services Pertainin to the Otjikoto Biomass Power Station View details >>
Submission deadline: 31 January 2020 | Category: Consultancy
Region: Namibia | Entity: Nampower
Expression of Interest for Design and Supervision Works of the Mozambique Energy For All (ProEnergia) View details >>
Submission deadline: 15 January 2020 | Category: Consultancy
Region: Mozambique | Entity: Electricity of Mozambique
Plant, Design, Supply, And Installa tion Of Works For The Construction Of The 11/33kV Medium VoltagePower Lines And Associated LV Networks For the ERT III grid extensi on projects under Package C (220 km) View details >>
Submission deadline: 31 January 2020 | Category: Construction
Plant, Design, Supply, AndInstallation Of Works For The Construction Of The 33kv MediumVoltage Power Lines And Associated LV Networks For the ERT III grid e xtension projects under Package E (214 km) View details >>
Submission deadline: 4 February 2020 | Category: Construction
Energizing Finance: Taking the Pulse 2019 Know more >>
Publication date: 2019, October | Author: Sustainable Energy for All
Taking the Pulse 2019 details the energy access financing challenge faced in three countries: Madagascar, the Philippines and Uganda. The report provides crucial insights into how national contexts shape finance flows for electricity and clean cooking access. Each of these countries has its own unique set of energy needs, existing infrastructure, policies and regulations.
Description: BBOXX RDC has a unique vision to transform households and businesses across DRC with next generation energy solutions, appliances and utility services. We have a product range that can electrify entire cities: from small households to large businesses; and we are on a mission to scale it across the country. We are looking for truly exceptional, resilient individuals to join us on our quest and ambition to create the largest utility in Congo (500K+ connections) and to make the DRC the first country in the world where the virtual distributed clean solar grid leapfrogs the physical grid.
Description: The Aftersales Director will be responsible for driving growth and providing focused leadership into establishing efficiencies and automation across all areas of Aftersales service provision, ensuring our customers are at the front on all decision making and receive exceptional levels of service, whilst maintaining growth margins.
The job holder will possess strong Customer focus to provide excellent customer service but also be commercially minded and comfortable in a target driven environment.
Published: 25 November 2019 | Location: Goma, DRCa
Description: CLASP seeks a Chief Officer / Senior Director to lead its Market Development programs for appliances, in on-, off-, and weak-grid contexts. The principle area of focus will be CLASP’s clean energy access portfolio, which aims to accelerate the deployment of high quality, energy-efficient products in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and beyond. CLASP’s energy access portfolio includes the Efficiency for Access Coalition, the Low Energy Inclusive Appliances Program, the Global LEAP Awards, and Lighting Global Quality Assurance, among other initiatives. A secondary focus will be expanding CLASP’s market development work to on- and weak-grid contexts.
Guinea Bissau Sustainable Energy International Conference and Expo 
