Electricity access
Renewable energy
MyJouleBox secures funding to accelerate renewable needs in Benin
EDFI ElectriFI has invested a total of $2 million split (under the Benin Country Window funded by the European Union) for $600,000 into equity alongside Gaia Impact Fund and for $1.4 million into convertible notes together with Triodos Investment Management.
Generation
Emerging markets and leapfrogging into renewables as fossil fuels plateau
India’s Council on Energy, Environment and Water and the financial think tank Carbon Tracker published the Reach for the Sun report, stating that fossil fuel electricity generation has peaked worldwide as emerging markets seize the opportunities of low-cost renewables.
Future Energy
Legal experts weigh in on South Africa’s energy future
Legal experts warn much will depend on new regulations due by 10 August 2021 but are cautiously optimistic about the country’s future after the South African President’s 100MW announcement.
Energy Efficiency
Commentary: Empowering youth with access to electricity in SA
June is Youth Month in South Africa and this year the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) is reflecting on the importance for access to energy for all South Africans. SANEDI Interim CEO, Lethabo Manamela writes on the challenges the youth of today face in accessing electricity and its ripple effects.
Research and Development
Adequate investments in energy needed for Africa to reach SDG7 target
“There’s no way Africa can build forward better if we do not make adequate investments in energy and ensure affordable access for all,” said ECA Executive Secretary, Vera Songwe.
Renewable energy
AfDB injects loan of $116 million into Egypt’s electricity sector
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) have approved an $116 million loan to fund the second phase of Egypt’s Electricity and Green Growth Support Program. This programme seeks to enhance the power sector’s financial sustainability, governance and operations.
Future Energy
GE: Position paper on gas and renewables in SA’s energy transition
GE released a paper sharing their position on South Africa’s energy transition and the role they believe gas power and renewables will play in accelerating the country’s energy transition.
Transmission and Distribution
Mozambique: 400,000 households to be linked to electricity grid
The government in Mozambique has mobilised $280 million to implement its Energy for All programme that will see 400,000 households linked to the electricity grid for the first time.
Business and markets
Adesina: Re-elected unanimously as president of the AfDB Group
Dr Akinwumi Adesina scooped 100% of the votes re-electing him to serve a second five-year term as President of the African Development Bank Group.
Press Releases
UCT GSB professor joins global initiative to end energy poverty
A new Global Commission to End Energy Poverty will draw on the combined expertise of energy experts around the world to accelerate the UN's goal of universal electricity access by 2030.
