EEP Africa on how to COVID-proof early stage clean energy companies
(07/05/2020)
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By Anouk Verheijen and Faith Chege, EEP Africa Portfolio Coordinators for Southern and East Africa
The global economy is dealing with an unprecedented set of challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other sectors, early stage clean energy companies are heavily affected by the current crisis and the response of governments to it. Travel restrictions are hindering sales, distribution and repair of products. Prohibitions on large gatherings are limiting grassroots marketing efforts. Customers are struggling to pay energy bills and commission-based employees are unable to earn a living wage. New renewable energy projects are also stalled due to slower licencing and permit processes as governments focus on the acute health and economic crises in their country.
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'Beyond the Grid Fund' for Africa expands to Uganda
(07/05/2020)
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The Embassy of Sweden, Kampala, Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO) and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) are pleased to announce the expansion of the Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA) initiative into Uganda. The aim is to stimulate the scale up of sustainable business models, which incentivise the private sector to offer affordable and clean off-grid energy access at scale in Uganda.
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REDAVIA Partners with Lendahand to Crowdfund Upcoming Solar Farms
(25/07/2019)
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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.
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The European Union and JUMEME inaugurate new solar-powered mini-grid on Lake Victoria’s Mulumo Island in Kagera Region
(24/06/2019)
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JUMEME Rural Power Supply Ltd. (JUMEME), together with the European Union Delegation in Tanzania and its project partners, celebrated the launch of its newly constructed solar-powered mini-grid on Lake Victoria, Mulumo island in the region of Kagera. The facility in Mulumo is one of eleven mini-grids to be commissioned on 10 different islands on Lake Victoria in June 2019, constituting the first roll-out phase of the “Micro Power Economy, Tanzania Roll-out” project cofunded by the EU. Over the last 12 months, JUMEME has constructed more than 180km of low and medium voltage distribution grids, electrifying 20 villages with a total population of more than 80,000 people and providing 24/7 electricity services based on solar-hybrid power systems to residential houses, schools, hospitals, businesses and local entrepreneurs.
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Unilever Tea to install 600kW solar power plant
(29/03/2018)
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Unilever Tea recently signed an agreement with Cross-Boundary Energy for the installation and operation of a 600kW solar power plant at the company’s Kericho tea plantation in Kenya.
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Rafiki Power and Mobisol have partnered to pilot a new approach labelled the Hybrid Grid
(07/03/2018)
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Rafiki Power (E.ON Offgrid solutions GmbH) and Mobisol GmbH have partnered to pilot a new approach labelled the Hybrid Grid for off-grid clients in rural Tanzania. The Hybrid Grid is combining the best of mini-grids and solar home systems to bring higher value and better service to their mutual customers at lower cost. While Rafiki Power will continue to build mini-grid infrastructure, Mobisol will complement the offer and help reduce overall costs by equipping customers lying outside the core perimeter of the mini-grid with their large solar home systems. Both the mini-grid and the solar home system option deliver reliable, clean and affordable energy.
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World Bank looking for a renewable energy consultant in Tanzania
(28/07/2016)
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The Climate and Carbon Finance Unit of the World Bank Group, which manages the Tanzania Renewable Energy Programme as trustee of the Carbon Partnership Facility, together with Rural Energy Agency (REA) of the United Republic of Tanzania. The World Bank is calling for expressions of interest for a full time local consultant for the programme. Deadline 18 August 2016.
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EEP opens new Calls for Proposals
(22/03/2016)
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The Energy & Environment Partnership (EEP) has opened two new Calls for Proposals for co-funding renewable energy projects in southern and east Africa. Deadline is 25 April 2016.
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IFC launches mini-grid program to increase energy access in Tanzania
(15/10/2015)
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IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, this week launched a $5 million program to increase access to energy in Tanzania by developing a market for mini-grids. The initiative aims to bring affordable, off-grid renewable energy to households and businesses in rural Tanzania.
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AfDB Five-Year energy review finds 14 million people enjoy improved electricity access
(28/04/2015)
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The African Development Bank (AfDB) has released the 2014 edition of its 'Development Effectiveness Review on Energy' (DER). The report, which was produced by AfDB's Quality Assurance and Results and Energy, Environment and Climate Change Departments, focuses on AfDB's energy operations and its contribution to building sustainable energy infrastructure on the African continent from 2009-2013.
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South Africa to add 6.3 GW to future REIPPPP tenders
(16/04/2015)
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South Africa intends to procure an additional 6,300 MW of renewable energy capacity in future tenders following the "extremely successful" fourth bid window, which saw contract awards for 1,121 MW.
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EEP announces Call for Proposals for renewable energy and energy efficiency market creation projects
(05/03/2015)
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The Energy and Environment Partnership Southern and East Africa (EEP S&EA) is a challenge fund that promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean technology investments. EEP S&EA is active in Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
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Global green energy awards announces 2015 call for entries
(10/10/2014)
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Seeking African sustainable energy pioneers
Deadline for entries: 4 November 2014
Ashden are looking for applicants for its 2015 Awards, rewarding pioneering sustainable energy organisations, businesses and NGOs with up to GBP 40,000, global media exposure, a tailored business support programme and the chance to become an active member of the Ashden Alumni, sharing sustainable energy knowledge and best practice.
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Solar wi-fi lamps to connect rural areas
(21/08/2014)
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South African-based technology company Net1 Mobile Solutions is preparing to roll out the Sun-e-light, a solar-powered lamp which also functions as a mobile phone charger and a wi-fi hotspot, as part of a corporate social responsibility project aimed at opening up the digital world to people in rural areas.
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SMA launches inverter-factory in South Africa
(07/08/2014)
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The SMA Solar Technology AG (SMS) launched an inverter-factory for local production in Cape Town, South Africa. It consists of a production line, storage facilities and a test center for central inverters.
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Solar panel production plant launched in W Cape
(05/08/2014)
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Western Cape Premier Helen Zille says the opening of a solar panel manufacturing plant in Cape Town is good for job creation and has the potential to create secondary industries.
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South African firm builds solar PV weather reference station
(21/07/2014)
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South African firm Sinetech built southern Africa's first accurate solar PV panel and weather reference station on the company's roof at Strijdom Park. It will be used to generate real-time, objective solar PV panel data, in combination with weather data, specific to South Africa but of benefit to a global audience.
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MTN unveils first concentrated solar plant
(10/07/2014)
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Telecommunications giant MTN this week unveiled Africa's first concentrating solar cooling plant, paving the way for South African companies to adopt similar strategies to reduce their carbon footprint.
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South Africa enters solar power world top 10
(08/07/2014)
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South Africa has now connected more than half a gigawatt of utility-scale solar power, moving into the world top 10 of countries harnessing renewable energy from the sun, according to figures released last month by Wiki-Solar.org.
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Inauguration of eight hybrid mini-grids in Mali
(25/06/2014)
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On the 25th June 2014, after 3 years of operation, the Foundation Rural Energy Services (FRES) in the Netherlands and its company SSD-EN SA Yeelen Kura, inaugurated the 8 hybrid mini-grids utilized for the power supply of the localities of Koumantou, Kignan, Yorosso, Niena, M'pessoba, Kouri, Ourikela and Kolondiéba.
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UNECA Reports on Energy Access and Security in Eastern Africa
(10/06/2014)
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The UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) has launched a report detailing the state of energy access and security in 14 Eastern African countries. The report finds that Eastern Africa's population has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world, ranging from 1% in the State of South Sudan (9.3 million people without access) to 22.5% in Ethiopia (nearly 64.5 million without access).
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Renewables 2014 Global Status Report launched
(04/06/2014)
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The Renewables Global Status Report provides a comprehensive and timely overview of renewable energy market, industry, investment and policy developments worldwide. It enables policymakers, industry, investors and civil society to make informed decisions.
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EEP S&EA Programme funding windows are open
(01/06/2014)
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The Energy and Environment Partnership Programme with Southern and East Africa is Programme which is seeking high-quality applications for projects in the two regions that can contribute to the reduction of poverty by promoting inclusive and job-creating green economy and by improving energy security while mitigating global climate change.
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Two of the largest solar energy plants in South Africa come online
(28/05/2014)
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SolarReserve, a leading global developer of utility scale solar power projects and advanced solar thermal technology, today announced that two 75-megawatt (MW-DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) projects have completed construction and are fully operational and successfully helping to power the Eskom South African electric grid with renewable energy.
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1MWp solar PV project bringing clean green energy to Kenyan tea farm
(22/05/2014)
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Williamson Tea has unveiled East Africa's largest solar project at its Changoi Tea Farm in Bomet County, Western Kenya. The solar system will cut Williamson Tea's energy costs by around 30%, supplying clean solar electricity during the daytime to meet most of the tea processing factory's energy demand.
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R3bn solar plants unveiled in Northern Cape
(16/05/2014)
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A consortium led by British company Globeleq officially launched two solar power plants, representing a combined investment of R3-billion, in the Northern Cape this week.
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Solar power shines into Africa
(01/03/2014)
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A shopkeeper in the rural Kenyan town of Bomet sells more than 200 small solar lamps each month. After charging in direct sunlight each lamp lights a small room from dusk to dawn.
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MULK OGI - Oasis Gulf Investment, FZC wins Multimillion USD contract in Sierra Leone
(03/02/2014)
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Mulk OGI - Oasis Gulf Investment, FZC, a company of the Sharjah-based diversified conglomerate affiliated to Mulk Holdings , has recently won a multimillion USD contract to provide Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) expertise for the pioneering USD 18 million project, based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and to become one of West Africa's largest solar parks.
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Zera develops feed in tariffs for renewable energy
(20/10/2013)
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The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) is developing a renewable energy feed in tariffs (Refits), a policy structure that makes it mandatory for energy companies responsible for operating the national grid to purchase electricity from renewable energy sources.
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Renewable Energy in West Africa: Status, Experiences and Trends
(11/10/2013)
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The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), Casa Africa and the Instituto Tecnologico de Canarias S.A. (ITC), jointly released the new publication Renewable Energy in West Africa: Status, Experiences and Trends.
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Power Africa Off-Grid Energy Challenge
(24/09/2013)
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US African Development Foundation and GE Africa are partnering to promote innovative solutions that develop, scale-up or extend the use of proven technologies for off-grid energy - reaching communities not served by existing power grids.
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Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa scales-up operations with USAID support
(23/09/2013)
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The Board of the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved the conversion of the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) - a bilateral trust fund established with funding from the Government of Denmark and administered by the AfDB - into a multi-donor trust fund with a wider remit.
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US agency provides grant to support rooftop solar plans for Western Cape government in South Africa
(11/09/2013)
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a US$ 545 000 grant to the Green Cape Sector Development Agency NPC (Green Cape), serving on behalf of the Western Cape Government's (WCG) Department of Transport and Public Works, to evaluate the technical and financial feasibility of implementing a large-scale rooftop solar photovoltaic project for the generation of renewable energy for the WCG’s own use in its buildings situated in Cape Town's central business district.
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Ashden Awards 2014 call for submissions open
(04/09/2013)
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The search begins today for winners of the 2014 Ashden Awards, offering the chance for sustainable energy trailblazers in the UK and developing world to receive global recognition for their efforts and join an elite community of Ashden alumni.
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Company to build R5m solar PV system at Anglo's Kriel colliery
(20/06/2013)
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Mining major Anglo American has awarded SolarPower Africa the contract to build a 240 kWp grid-connected, ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system to provide electricity to the central administration offices at the Kriel colliery, in Mpumalanga.
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Grant for Nosy Be hybrid renewables investigation
(15/02/2013)
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The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) has approved a US$1 million grant to finalise pre-investment activities for a hybrid renewable energy project in Nosy Be Island in Madagascar.
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AfDB Energy Policy to promote energy access and low-carbon growth
(11/01/2013)
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The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved its new Energy Sector Policy, providing a framework within which to promote access to modern, reliable and affordable access to energy for regional member countries (RMCs), as well as ensure that their energy sectors develop in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable manner. It is expected that the policy will also aid in addressing climate change and other environmental challenges.
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South Africa's first grid tied PV plant unveiled in Ekurhuleni
(12/10/2012)
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The City of Ekurhuleni showed its commitment to promote low carbon technologies when executive mayor, Mondli Gungubele officially unveiled what is claimed to be the first and only solar plant in the country in Wattville, outside Benoni, on Friday.
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Minister opens SA's first utility-scale solar inverter factory
(21/09/2012)
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International power equipment supplier 3W Power/AEG Power Solutions has officially opened a manufacturing facility, in the Western Cape, which has the capacity to produce 200 MW/year of solar inverters, as well as electrical distribution boxes.
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SA Department postpones 3rd Bid of REIPPPP
(13/09/2012)
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The Department of Energy has announced that the 3rd bid submission date for the Renewable Independent Power Producers programme will be postponed to 7 May 2013 due to, amongst others, representations from the market, the need to focus on Window 1 and 2 financial close processes, and to update the RFP accordingly for subsequent windows.
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REEEP is looking for experts
(18/07/2012)
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Ahead of REEEP’s 9th programme cycle which kicks off in late August 2012, REEEP is conducting a call for experts who could assist with tasks related to this funding cycle and beyond.
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IEA, GIZ to support the development of South Africa’s Solar Energy Roadmap
(09/07/2012)
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The Government of South Africa, supported by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the German Development Agency (GIZ), is in the process of developing a national solar energy technology roadmap, which aims to identify the steps the country should take to increase the uptake of solar energy.
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ECREEE and Partners Receive Grant for Dry Concentrating Solar Power Project
(15/05/2012)
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Through the framework of the African Union Commission (AUC) Research Grants Open Call for Proposals for 2011, the AUC has awarded the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) a three-year grant worth €1 million for a research project entitled “Development of a Cost-effective, Modular and Dry Concentrating Solar Power for Africa: Design and Test of Components.”
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Rock Band launches Campaign for SE4ALL, Solar at Ugandan clinics
(10/05/2012)
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The rock band Linkin Park, through their “Power the World” Initiative, has launched a campaign to bring solar power to health clinics in Uganda and is encouraging its fans to sign a pledge to support the UN Secretary-General’s Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) Initiative.
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African Development Bank releases report on Clean Energy in Egypt
(03/05/2012)
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The African Development Bank has released a report titled "Clean Energy Development in Egypt." The report reviews the opportunities and challenges to improving energy efficiency, developing renewable energy resources and promoting the local manufacture of these products in Egypt.
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Novatec Solar to enter South African CSP market
(10/02/2012)
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Novatec Solar has joined ABB in entering the South African CSP market. ABB have signed an agreement with FG Emvelo, an independent solar power plant company, to develop high-efficiency concentrating solar power (CSP) plants at Karoshoek Solar Valley in Northern Cape province, South Africa.
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World Bank Supports Morocco’s bold solar power plans
(17/11/2011)
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The World Bank approved $297 million in loans to Morocco to help finance the Ouarzazate Concentrated Solar Power Plant Project, taking a historic step toward realizing one of the first large-scale plants of this kind in North Africa to exploit the region's vast solar energy resources.
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World Bank Supports South Africa’s Renewable Energy Plans
(27/10/2011)
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The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved $250 million in funding for the Eskom Renewables Energy Support Project (ERSP) to help implement the pioneering and innovative Upington concentrating solar power and Sere wind power plants in South Africa.
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South Africa goes ahead with RE tender
(31/07/2011)
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The Department of Energy (DoE) has released information about the submission of proposals for the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of renewable energy projects including onshore wind, solar thermal, solar photovoltaic, biomass, biogas, landfill gas and small hydro.
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SA Government confirms inclusion of price competition in first renewables round
(04/07/2011)
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The South African government has confirmed that price competition will feature in the procurement process for the first round of renewable energy projects, with the 2009 renewable energy feed-in tariffs (Refit) to be use as a “ceiling” price against which potential developers should tender their offers.
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Kenya’s first net metered PV project to be inaugurated
(30/06/2011)
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Construction on Kenya’s first net metered photovoltaic plant has been completed. Described as the third biggest system of its kind in East Africa, the project was the result of a German-Kenyan collaboration.
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Eskom gets $365m renewable energy loan
(06/06/2011)
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The African Development Bank (AfDB) has granted Eskom a $365 million loan for financing Sere, the 100 MW wind project which the parastatal plans in the Western Cape and a planned 100 MW concentrating solar power project in the Northern Cape.
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AFD line of credit for Kenyan banks
(11/05/2011)
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France’s development bank agreed to provide a 30 million-euro ($43 million) line of credit to two Kenyan banks for lending to businesses that want to invest in renewable energy projects.
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First grid-connected solar power plant in Mali
(12/02/2011)
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The 216 kWp solar power plant was inaugurated on Febraury 12, 2011. Attendees were Amadou Toumani Toure, President of Mali, the Minister of Energy, the executive board of the national energy supplier (EDM) and the members of the local council of Ouéléssébougou.
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TENDER Preparation of the SADC Renewable Energy Strategy and Action Plan
(04/02/2011)
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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) in close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland (MFA) intends to explore options to increase the use of renewable energy in the SADC Region. One of the concrete outputs of this cooperation will be a Renewable Energy Strategy and Action Plan (RESAP) for the SADC Region.
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Low-Income Communities in Africa outline energy needs for World Bank
(19/01/2011)
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Almost 500 people in 10 towns and villages across Liberia, Madagascar and Togo participated in World Bank-sponsored workshops from May to September 2010 aimed at gathering input from low-income communities about how best the Bank can help meet their energy needs.
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South Africa: Energy centre to boost growth in Qunu
(14/01/2011)
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The South African Government and fuel company Sasol launched the R8 million Integrated Energy Centre (IEC) at former President Nelson Mandela's birth place earlier today. The centre will provide products such as aluminum paraffin, diesel, petrol, gas burner stoves as well as renewable energy solar system.
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South Africa signs $435m solar deal with Yingli
(17/11/2010)
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South Africa has signed a deal with Chinese company Yingli Solar to build a $435 million manufacturing plant with a local partner, a senior government official said on Wednesday.
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Martifer finishes 5 MW park in Cape Verde
(02/11/2010)
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Martifer Solar and the Ministry of Economy, Growth and Competitiveness of Cape Verde (MECC) has inaugurated today the second of two solar parks contracted in January.
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Climate-neutral office building for UNEP Nairobi
(21/10/2010)
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The Cologne-based company of Energiebau Solarstromsysteme GmbH has received a commission to construct a highperformance photovoltaic system on the roof of the new UNEP office building in Nairobi, Kenya.
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South African game park converts to concentrated PV
(01/09/2010)
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Paving the way for solar power projects in South Africa, Concentrix Solar, a leading supplier of Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) systems announced the inauguration of its first power facility in South Africa at the Aquila Private Game Reserve in Touwsrivier on September 1, 2010.
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Yingli Green to provide solar for soccer training centres
(24/06/2010)
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Yingli Green Energy announced that it will provide its expertise in solar energy to power "20 Centers for 2010", the official campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. This campaign is part of the Football for Hope movement, which is using the power of the game for positive social change.
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Morocco solar plant draws big investor interest
(17/06/2010)
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Investor interest in phase one of Morocco's $9-billion solar power scheme has exceeded expectations with about 200 firms submitting expressions of interest, the head of Morocco's solar power agency said.
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Renewable energy adviser sought for Rwanda
(09/04/2010)
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The government of Rwanda invites expressions of interest from consultants to serve as resident adviser to a sustainable energy development project with several components. Deadline for applications is April 22.
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Call for proposals Energy and Environment Partnership Programme
(08/04/2010)
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The Energy and Environment Partnership Programme with Southern and East Africa (EEP-S&EA), with a budget of €10-million, has made its first call for proposals from companies, research institutions and other public and private sector institutions, seeking financial assistance for renewable energy projects. Submission deadline is April 14, 2010.
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EU awards solar energy in Africa
(25/03/2010)
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The Dutch Rural Energy Foundation received the prestigious EU Sustainable Energy Award 2010 from EU Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger.
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Call for Proposals: Africa Forum for Clean Energy Financing
(18/03/2010)
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The CTI PFAN Africa Forum for Clean Energy Financing (AFRICEF), seeks to nurture individuals, project teams and consortia, start-up and existing companies with environmentally beneficial business proposals with the aim of making them happen.
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Kayema installs solar water heating pannels on Sandton Hotel
(15/03/2010)
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Israeli Ambassador to South Africa Dov Segev-Steinberg and Public Enterprises Deputy Minister Enoch Godongwana on Monday inaugurated the 117 flat panel collector solar water heating installation above the rooftop of the Hotel Da Vinci, in Sandton.
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Morocco hopes to shine in mega solar project
(20/01/2010)
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Morocco has launched what it claims is the biggest solar-thermal energy project in a single country, aiming to produce nearly 40 per cent of its electricity needs — 2,000 megawatts (MW) — by 2020.
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AfDB loan for ESKOM for coal, wind and solar
(26/11/2009)
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The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved €1.86 billion (UA 1.70 billion) loan for South Africa’s energy utility company, Eskom Holdings Limited, to finance a power project that will significantly boost the energy capacity of South Africa and the southern African region.
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Morocco unveils $9 bln solar power scheme
(03/11/2009)
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Morocco announced on Monday a solar energy project worth $9 billion which officials said will account for 38 percent of the North African country's installed power generation by 2020.
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Job opening for Energy Specialist at local World Bank office in Mozambique
(30/10/2009)
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The World Bank AFTEG group intends to recruit an Energy Specialist for a position based in Maputo, Mozambique. The new position reflects the growing energy work program in AFCS2 countries (in particular Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe and Malawi) and other Southern African countries. Closing date is the 13th of November 2009.
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Plans for Concentrated Solar Power Heat Up in Tunisia
(26/02/2009)
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Generating solar power in North Africa is a hot topic these days, and will certainly stay in the news, thanks to the Mediterranean Solar Plan that was presented in 2008 as part of the Union for the Mediterranean.
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New report by WWF on renewables in South Africa
(25/02/2009)
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A week ahead of South Africa's second National Climate Change Summit (to be held from 3 - 6 March at Gallagher Estate), environmental organization WWF is calling on policy-makers to "get out of the starting blocks" in the global rush for renewable energy.
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Ericsson, Orange Deploy Solar Base-Stations in Africa
(19/02/2009)
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Ericsson and Orange Guinea Conakry are deploying 100 mobile phone base stations in the African country of Guinea that use power from solar panels and diesel batteries, the companies said on Thursday.
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1GW PV for Jordan
(12/12/2008)
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A joint venture has launched a multi-year project to construct a 1 GW photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Jordan, including an integrated 200 MW thin-film PV module factory.
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Morocco Backs Asola's African Plans
(15/10/2008)
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Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. announced that it's German solar photovoltaic (PV) partner Asola has signed an exclusive agreement to establish a joint venture in Morocco.
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New fund to invest in clean technologies
(03/10/2008)
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The Evolution One Fund, a 10-year private equity fund that focuses on investments in clean technology (cleantech) in the southern African region, has raised R400-million from four core international investors to date, and is expected to grow to R1-billion by mid-2009.
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Namibia backing 400 MW solar tower-agri concept
(24/07/2008)
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A new proposal involving the construction of a R1-billion solar tower that will be able to generate 400 MW of electricity is being backed by the Namibian government, which is prepared to foot the bill for half of the prefeasibility study costs, says intellectual property company Hahn & Hahn MD Alan Dunlop.
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2007 Sustainable energy investment in Africa fivefold of 2006
(17/07/2008)
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Although Africa continues to lag other regions in terms of sustainable energy investment, asset finance was up in 2007 to $1.3 billion (five times as much as in 2006), reversing a gradual decline since 2004 and bearing witness to increasing installed renewable capacity.
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South Africa: German school in Johannesburg on solar power
(08/06/2008)
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Children at the German International School in Johannesburg have been given a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about how solar power works. A solar energy system has been installed on the school's roof as part of a programme by the German Energy Agency (dena).
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Toyota's South African plant to go solar
(07/05/2008)
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Toyota has become the latest company to answer power utility Eskom's call for companies to reduce electricity consumption and to find alternative energy sources, by installing over 200 solar panels at its Prospecton plant in Durban.
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South Africa: No investors for Eskom solar plant
(25/04/2008)
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Eskom is still struggling to secure funding for its 100 megawatt solar power demonstration plant, but a new proposal will be presented to the utility's board in the next few weeks to overcome this.
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South Africa: Solahart colours its way into Featherbrooke Estate
(11/10/2007)
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Solahart achieved a South African solar water heating first when the company recently introduced coloured tanks. The new coloured tanks earned Solahart the nod from the Featherbrooke Estate aesthetics committee, making it the first solar water heater producer to be approved for this prestigious development.
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South Africa: Solahart awarded SABS mark
(01/10/2007)
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Solahart is the first South African Solar Water Heating company to be awarded the SABS mark. The award follows the safety and performance test by SABS, as well as an Audit of Solahart's procedures and an inspection by the SABS of the factory in Australia.
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Germany Looks to North Africa's Untapped Solar Thermal Potential
(27/09/2007)
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A study by the German Aerospace Center estimated that harnessing the sun's energy falling on just 6,000 square kilometers of desert in North Africa would supply energy equivalent to the entire oil production of the Middle East of 9 billion barrels a year.
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World Bank & IFC launch "Lighting Africa" initiative
(05/09/2007)
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The World Bank Group today launches an initiative to provide modern lighting to the 250 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa who have no access to electricity. Jointly managed by the World Bank and IFC, Lighting Africa aims to develop market conditions for the supply and distribution of new, nonfossil fuel lighting products, such as fluorescent light bulbs and light emitting diodes, in rural and urban areas of the region that are not connected to the electricity grid.
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Uganda: Total stations to use solar power
(30/07/2007)
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TOTAL has launched a solar power system for its stations, becoming the first oil company in Uganda to do so. The Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya lauded Total and Uganda Batteries for initiating solar power use for petrol stations, saying it is vital during loadshedding hours.
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Namibia: Namibian telco deploys ‘green' site
(18/05/2007)
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Global technology provider Motorola, in conjunction with telecoms operator MTC Namibia, has recently announced the deployment of a wind and solar power system to operate MTC Namibia's GSM cell site, at Dordabis village, in the Khomas region of Namibia.
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Solahart Southern Africa Turns 25
(14/05/2007)
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Solahart Southern Africa celebrated its 25th year as Solahart distributor for Southern Africa at its second national conference held in Johannesburg.
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South Africa launches solar heater project
(15/03/2007)
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South Africa, through public energy company CEF, has launched a six-month pilot project to introduce solar water heating in middle- to upper-income homes as the country seeks to exploit one of its most abundant resources - sunshine.
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Namibia: Motorola and MTC Namibia to install solar-wind hybrid system
(12/02/2007)
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Motorola has announced that it has signed an agreement with the GSM Association (GSMA) and MTC Namibia to conduct a trial for wind and solar power systems to support the African operator’s remote GSM cell sites. This is the first customer based trial globally and the trial is expected to run from April 2007 to July 2007.
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Botswana: Government to electrify 88 villages
(22/12/2006)
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Government has appointed the Botswana Power Corporation to implement the electrification of 88 villages using renewable energy, says the corporations 2006 annual report.
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Ghana Telecom goes solar
(10/11/2006)
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In the face of energy challenges, Ghana Telecom (GT) plans to use solar as the main source of power to drive the over 300 cell sites it operates in the country.
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Solar power: cheap energy source for Africa
(26/10/2006)
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Electrifying rural areas poses unique challenges for African governments. Remote and scattered, rural homes, unlike homes in urban areas, are costly and often impractical to connect to the grid. Under the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), countries are seeking innovative alternatives to give rural families efficient means to cook their food and light their homes.
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2007 Global Development Marketplace
(25/10/2006)
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Development Marketplace 2007 is offering US$4 Million in awards for proposals with innovative ideas to improve health, nutrition, population outcomes of poor people in developing countries.
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Uganda: First ever solar-powered airport
(25/10/2006)
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By next year, Uganda will be building an airport powered by the sun! This solar powered airport will be the first of its kind in Africa. Taking eight months for its construction starting January next year, it would worth US$40million.
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Namibia: Energy Status Quo must change
(11/09/2006)
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The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Institute (REEEI) is to embark on research on energy sources that could be developed and implemented.
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Ghana: E-CARE installations begin in two regions
(01/09/2006)
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The United Nations Foundations (UNF) and the Telecom Management Partner (TMP) has begun the implementation of the Electronic Commerce and Renewable Energy (E-CARE) project initiated in 2003 to bridge the digital divide between the urban and the rural areas with the installation of state-of-the-art telecommunication facilities in two regions in the Southern part of the country.
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Uganda: Coca-Cola funds solar water project
(28/08/2006)
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Century bottling company, makers of Coca-Cola together with Solar Light for Africa and USAID have completed a water electrification project for Kalungi Health center in Uganda.
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Nigeria: Solar Power Brings Relief to Villagers
(25/08/2006)
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Bishop Kodji, a small fishing and canoe carving island in the Atlantic Ocean off Nigeria's sprawling commercial hub of Lagos, has become the first village to be electrified under the Lagos State government's pilot solar energy project.
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Zimbabwe: Use of solar energy urged
(25/08/2006)
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Zimbabwe can immensely benefit from the use of solar energy as a viable source of power in view of the current electricity shortages, the Minister of Energy and Power Development Retired Lieutenant General Michael Nyambuya has said.
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Botswana: UNDP GEF project under way
(08/08/2006)
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In a bid to promote clean energy use and reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and the emission of carbon dioxide, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Government of Botswana and the Botswana Power Corporation, are launching a renewable energy project aimed at assisting Botswana's rural communities.
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South Africa: Solar-energy internship launched
(28/07/2006)
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Leading South African solar-heating company Suntank has launched an intensive internship program for engineering students wishing to gain exposure to the solar energy industry.
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Nigeria: ECN - Transforming the Energy Landscape Through New Devices
(03/07/2006)
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Moved by the deteriorating power supply in the country, environmental damage by fossil foil and the mass rural and urban unemployment, the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has now initiated moves to popularize the exploitation of the numerous renewable energy sources available to the country.
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Cooperation between GTZ and E+Co launched
(02/07/2006)
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Getting the private sector involved is a crucial factor when seeking to improve the energy situation in developing countries. In May 2006, the GTZ advisory project "Energizing Africa" launched a cooperation project with E+Co, a public investment company that specialises in providing support for small and medium clean energy enterprises in developing countries.
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South Africa: First solar powered village
(12/06/2006)
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A South African electrical engineer and a property development company have teamed up to create the country’s first solar-powered village. The 100-house development in Clanwilliam will generate enough electricity for all household needs and, if the sun keeps shining, homeowners will be able to sell electricity back to Eskom.
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Uganda: Solar power to run Katakwi water project
(04/05/2006)
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The government is to switch to solar power to run the Shs1billion water system in Katakwi district, the Assistant Commissioner for Urban Water Supply, Mr Dominic Kavutse, has said.
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Botswana: Massive solar project targets 88 villages
(08/03/2006)
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A massive solar-based rural electrification of at least 88 villages is expected to be rolled out countrywide mid this year. Finance Minister Baledzi Gaolathe announced the P34 million National Rural Photovoltaic Electrification Programme during the 2005-2
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KfW Special Facility for Renewable Energies
(03/02/2006)
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The German federal government and KfW Entwicklungsbank have set up a Special Facility for Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency with a volume of EUR 500 million.
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Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy
(11/10/2005)
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The Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy are now looking for entries from
inspirational and innovative local sustainable energy projects from across
the globe to compete for £350,000 of prize money.
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Ghana: 5 million euros for solar power irrigation
(29/09/2005)
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Ghana and ISOFOTON, a Spanish irrigation construction firm, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the commencement of work on a nation-wide five million (5m) Euro solar power small irrigation projects.
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First African CDM project registered
(07/09/2005)
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The Kuyasa low cost urban housing energy upgrade project in South Africa was registered by the UNFCCC CDM executive board on 27 August 2005.
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Preparing Namibia's solar future
(01/08/2005)
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Namibia's ministry of mines and energy, through the Namibia Renewable Energy Project (NAMREP), released its findings on a recent study conducted to establish the level of implementation of various solar energy technologies in Namibia.
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