Social entrepreneurs – why they are central to address energy poverty

David Lecoque, CEO, ARE

Making a difference for energy access – Why we support social entrepreneurship, start-ups and private sector-led innovative solutions

André Eckermann, Head of Competence Center Energy and Transport, GIZ

11 million – such is the approximate number of social enterprises currently operating worldwide according to a report recently published by the British Council and Social Enterprise UK. The paper claims that “social entrepreneurship is one of the largest movements of our time”. Building the bridge between private-sector economics and social transformation, social enterprises play a pivotal role in tackling the major challenges we face globally. At the core of their value proposition, social enterprises aspire at tangible impact against poverty in all its different dimensions, climate change or post-COVID related downward trends in social progress and economic growth – while pursuing financial stability, creating jobs, innovating, and generating profits.

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The challenge of providing energy access for all is reflected in persistent numbers of people without access to electricity or clean cooking solutions worldwide. In part this points to the shortcomings of both conventional profit-oriented, private sector-approaches as well as government-driven efforts to electrify their populations and cater for their basic energy needs. A significant part of the population without access to energy remains hard to reach with a limited ability to pay and a generally low profitability of investments. Nonetheless, especially in these challenging contexts, private sector-driven commitment is key for finding innovative and sustainable solutions. It is therefore encouraging to see a constantly increasing number of social enterprises creating new market structures, claiming their space and successfully contributing to the sector’s successes. The joint international initiative “Water and Energy for Food” implemented by GIZ and USAID provides an impressive overview of innovative local SMEs which disseminate socially and environmentally friendly innovations for the nexus of food and energy security. Also, evidence suggests that social enterprises are much more likely to be led by women than traditional businesses because women tend to start businesses with greater emphasis on social impact goals compared to men. In this regard, I recommend consulting GIZ’s new publication on supporting women-led entrepreneurship providing knowledge and strategies to meet the needs of women entrepreneurs.

Growing from an innovative start-up to an established business with a proven track record and solid economics is a challenging path in particular for social enterprises. Securing enough finance for a sustainable corporate set-up and closing financial loops for their projects remain among the biggest barriers. Together with our partners, GIZ therefore aims at supporting private sector-led innovative solutions for them to gain traction in the market and to scale their operations: New Energy Nexus Southeast Asia, part of one of the world’s leading networks of funds and accelerators, was set-up in partnership with GIZ. GET.invest, a European-funded, GIZ-implemented programme mobilising investments in renewable energy solutions is providing support for project developers and companies towards reaching investment readiness. Energising Development (EnDev) is partnering in manifold contexts with social enterprises to provide energy access in challenging contexts. For example, in cooperation with the Smart Communities Coalition and Power Africa, EnDev launched Smart Communities Coalition Innovation Fund (SCCIF) to support the matchmaking of international innovators with local refugee communities in Uganda and Kenya. 

It is the strong commitment and dynamic nature of social entrepreneurship with its passionate and purpose-driven individuals and corporate cultures that makes a real difference for energy access.

 

How providing access to energy can create a greener economy

Global growth has slowed dramatically. Current forecasts show that global growth has slowed from 6.1% in 2021 to just 3.2% in 2022, and a global recession is looming. However, there is an interesting (and promising) avenue that can revive economies, improve the health of the community and create jobs in emerging markets: clean energy.

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Aside from the clear environmental benefits, there are many economic benefits to investing in clean energy. Clean energy programmes make the economy more efficient by reducing wasted energy and the dependence on scarce natural resources, as well as creating many crucial jobs. It also removes the economic volatility that is a by-product of reliance on fossil fuels.

Refocusing on renewable energy could be an essential tonic to counteract the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy. Worldwide employment in renewable energy is approaching the 13-million mark, bolstered by the creation of 700,000 jobs in 2021 alone. China is the biggest benefactor of this trend, accounting for 42% of all global renewable energy jobs, followed by the EU (10%), Brazil (10%), the US (7%) and India (7%).

Benefits of clean energy for the economy

The global renewable energy market means big business. According to research, the total global market value will reach $1.98 trillion by 2030, growing at a rate of 8.4%. Here are a just a few of the ways this growth will impact the global economy:

  • Clean energy creates jobs

Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy will create 4.5 million jobs per year for 10 years in the United States alone. Global renewable jobs will reach 38 million by 2030 and 43 million by 2050.

  • Renewable energy lowers consumer expenses

The production of renewable energy is more efficient compared to traditional energy. Households with solar panels and metering will reduce their electric bills and enjoy more savings if they purchase an electric vehicle. For governments, it’s less expensive to build a new solar or wind installation than operating a coal-fired power plant.

  • Renewable energy is profitable

Investing in renewable energy can save money across the board. General Electric’s onshore wind energy equipment venture saw their profits increase by 20%. Automobile companies will benefit from building mass transit and electric vehicles, while the construction industry will enjoy a boom thanks to retrofitting.

  • Clean energy democratises energy access

940 million people have no access to electricity and 2.6 billion people rely on biomass fuel for cooking, resulting in 4 million premature deaths every year. Renewable energy can reach even the most remote areas, improving health and the quality of life for many communities.

  • Renewable energy reduces disaster recovery costs

Climate-related disasters cost the world $100 billion in 2021 alone. By shifting to green energy, these disasters may become frequent, reducing the need for disaster recovery and rebuilding costs around the world.

Renewable energy isn't just essential for the health of the planet; it will likely be the foundation on which we can build a healthier economy. Governments, lending groups and investors need to work together to break down the barriers that SMEs and social entrepreneurs face to create a more sustainable, green energy future that everyone can benefit from - financially and otherwise.

 

https://www.ruralelec.org/business-opportunities/gses-global-sustainable-energy-solutions

New model for delivering online training

Australian-based Global Sustainable Energy Solutions (GSES) has been conducting face-to-face solar training courses in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific since 1999. However, these courses were generally funded by donors as part of a larger aid programme that was supporting the sales and installation of solar systems. This model was not sustainable because the technicians being trained could not afford to pay for the training if it was not funded by the donors.

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In 2008, GSES became the first Australian training organisation to offer blended online solar courses. The course participants work at their own pace to undertake the theory online including practice exercises and assessments. Those participants undertaking the installation course then attend a 2-day, face-to-face practical course at the GSES training centre. Though these courses are affordable within the Australian market, they are not affordable to the majority of people working in the industry in Asia and Africa.

In 2023, GSES Australia, in collaboration with our joint venture company GSES India, will be launching a new monthly subscription model aimed at solar companies. This subscription model will provide companies access to an online training academy which will include a number of courses, resource books and guides for conducting practical sessions. All the company’s staff will have access to the online courses (not assessments) and resource books.

The monthly fee will be based on the number of technicians that the company wants to complete the courses including the online assessments so that at the successful conclusion of the course, the participant will receive a certificate stating they have completed the Theory Course for the design and installation of a particular technology application. Initially the training academy will include the following courses:

  • Solar home systems (d.c. coupled systems)
  • Off Grid PV Systems including PV/Fuel generator Hybrids (Including a.c. coupled systems)
  • Grid Connected (tied) PV system.

More courses will be added in the future.

In the first year the company will have access to a specified number of tutor hours to obtain support while doing the course.

At the end of the first 12 months the company can then select to reduce the monthly subscription fee by having no tutor hours. The objective is to encourage the company to have the senior technicians become the tutors for their staff.

GSES will regularly update the course and resource booklets to address the ever-changing industry.

For more information contact GSES on info@gses.com.au

 

https://www.ruralelec.org/business-opportunities/comet

Amplifying capacity building through COMET

As we collectively race towards SDG7, there is growing recognition that capacity building and meaningful community engagement play a vital role in accelerating energy access, especially in delivering off-grid and DRE. Capacity building and community engagement can help build end-user understanding of mini-grid operations and complexities, better align expectations of level of service to increase demand and buy-in, and improve mini-grid financial viability while deepening social impact.

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However, in common practice capacity building activities are not sufficiently prioritised in mini-grid development. End user training and engagement can be seen as costly and time-consuming; we at Community Connect believe that there should be greater effort and investment into ensuring that mini-grid projects include substantive capacity building. In this short article, we share how the Community Energy Toolkit (COMET) fills this gap to improve project planning and development and amplify the benefits of capacity building.

Drawing on our experience working with communities and mini-grid practitioners, our team developed COMET, a software that enables mini-grid end users to interact with a virtual mini-grid, taking users through simulations of various energy scenarios in a community workshop setting. COMET is easy to use, even for those with low digital literacy.

COMET helps unlock users’ understanding of their mini-grid and energy consumption. In COMET workshops, we have seen how participants are able to build and utilise their knowledge and understanding to make decisions on technical topics such as tariff and payment, appliance selection, as well as increase agency to establish protocols around their energy use for mini-grid management. COMET workshops have increased inclusion, and positively influenced customer buy-in and interest around different mini-grid services, and productive use of electricity. Additionally, village electrification committees participating in COMET workshops acquire knowledge and capacity to assist project teams in their communities. As one village energy committee member in Indonesia recently shared: “...I had the confidence to explain (energy limits), top-ups, and fees (to community members).”

By facilitating learning and communication, COMET enables mini-grid projects to leverage local knowledge and capacities towards greater equity in energy access. To find out how COMET can enhance your project, visit www.cometapp.net or contact info@cometapp.net.

 

https://www.ruralelec.org/business-opportunities/open-energy-labs

Teaching students how to design, build and maintain renewable energy systems

As a result of lack of maintenance, solar products often have high failure rates. In Kenya, nearly one fifth of solar products are reported to stop working within 18 months. Thus, to scale DRE, we must also develop a skilled workforce to support this new energy sector. To build this workforce, we have developed Energy Makers Academy, a fundamentally new approach to teaching people about energy, electricity, electronics and programming.

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Energy Makers Academy consists of two key elements, a hardware kit and an educational app. The app provides instructions for assembling and programming the hardware kit, whilst also delivering learning content on the subjects of energy, electricity, electronics and programming. Crucially, once assembled the hardware kit functions as a Solar Home System.

In partnership with Innovate UK, Energy 4 Impact and local NGOs, we have been trailing Energy Makers Academy with the following results after only two weeks of training:

92% of participants reported gaining new skills

When asked what impact these skills have had, one student said: “[Energy Makers Academy] gave me a practical feel of my field. I learned how to solder and how to connect electronic components properly. I improved my electrical circuit designing skills.”

80% of participants saw improved energy access to electricity

When describing the impact that this has had, students said: “The access to electricity has improved after training, we have been able to power the whole house using solar.”

60% of participants gained employment as a result of Energy Makers Academy

Examples of employment include: working with solar system companies to refurbish damaged solar systems, heading a technical team in a safari lodge using solar power. New business created (e.g. electronics repair shops).

Whether you are a company looking to develop local capacity in new markets, a public body wanting to boost renewable energy jobs or just an individual who wants to break into the technical side of solar energy systems, Energy Makers Academy gives you everything you need to be part of the future of energy.

If you are interested in learning more about Energy Makers Academy, you can book a live demonstration here or get in touch with us at hello@energymakers.academy

We look forward to hearing from you!

 

  • Highlighting the CORE initiative at the Microgrid Global Innovation Forum

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    The Microgrid Global Innovation Forum in London took place on 13-15 September 2022. The forum focused on microgrid advances, case studies and applications. ARE highlighted the technical assistance and trainings it provides as part of the CORE initiative.

    More than 50 participants took part in the event - of which, more than 20 ARE Members were part the programme.

  • Energy Access: Supporting Innovation between Europe & Africa

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    Organised by MEDEE, the forum on Energy Access: Supporting Innovation between Europe & Africa in Lille on 16 September 2022 brought together European and African stakeholders from the DRE sector.

    ARE joined as a panellist in the roundtable discussion on 'Collaborative innovation to meet the challenges of energy access'. 

     

  • Economist Impact: Future of Energy Week

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    The second annual Economist Impact event on Future of Energy Week took place in Singapore on 19-21 September 2022 attracting policymakers, business leaders, scientific experts and representatives of multilateral institutions

    ARE discussed among panellists how distributed renewable energy can be a reliable, rapid and complementary approach to reach universal electrification in Asia. ARE deep dived into policy optimisation through the ARE co-developed Mini-grid Policy Toolkit and financing including through public and private energy access financiers as federated in ARE's Financier Circle as well as other sources such as climate finance. Finally, ARE also shared lessons learnt from different markets in South(-east) Asia and Africa and on fostering South-south business cooperation. 

  • ARE & CLEAN sign MoU to fast forward DRE in India

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    An MoU has been signed between the Clean Energy Access Network (CLEAN) and ARE. The MoU sets out the shared goals of the two organisations to address the existing obstacles hindering the optimal use of the various DRE for electrification and the potential for energy efficiency in India. Both organisations agreed to promote social and economic development by increasing the share of distributed renewable energies in the energy mix in India.

    The associations will work together on a number of activities, including joint advocacy for renewable energy policies in India to foster a conducive market environment for DRE actors, accompany and contribute to the government’s efforts to achieve renewable energy targets as well as targeted business development and market intelligence support for DRE companies.

    In this regard, the associations aim to develop the capacity of renewable energy stakeholders in India to create local jobs and enhance the capacity of the sector to attract adequate financing for renewable energy projects and businesses. This will, for example, be achieved by spearheading “DRE Investment Academies” or similar trainings for Indian and international DRE developers and other stakeholders, with the aim of raising additional fundraising and technical support.

    Finally, the MoU states that the partners will offer support through business development services for renewable energy actors working in India, to address electrification, energy security and climate change challenges, as well as conduct applied research to foster the market for renewable energy technologies.

    Read the press release

  • GET.invest & A2EI launch global open-source data platform PROSPECT

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    The lack of comprehensive and user-friendly data on renewable energy project performance poses one of the major obstacles to funding. Private investors and public donors alike will, rightfully, be hesitant to put their funds behind projects that cannot transparently disclose their track record and ongoing performance.

    To fill this gap, the Access to Energy Institute (A2EI) and the European programme GET.invest, with the support of the European Union, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Austria, have launched the data platform Prospect.

    Prospect is the first global open-source, product-agnostic, real-time and free-of-charge data and transaction platform that automatically collects, aggregates, analyses and displays data from all modern sustainable energy solutions. The platform facilitates big data analysis on any product segment, region, and country in near real-time. It tracks energy services ranging from small solar home systems to large mini-grids and grid-connected distribution networks – while also covering productive use appliances, modern clean cooking solutions, and systems installed in public institutions.

    The platform employs a unique “energy fingerprint + heartbeat” methodology that combines customer, technical, usage, maintenance, and payment data streams to authenticate performance and impact, while adhering to strict data privacy policies. It transparently makes multi-layered data available both at the individual system and at project or aggregate level.

    Prospect allows for instantaneous secure data sharing, empowering users to leverage their data to gain insights, raise finance, prove results, and contribute to broader research within the energy sector. It facilitates extensive automatic reporting, monitoring and evaluation and features a built-in transaction functionality to support financing and subsidy disbursements. Providing distributors, investors, funders and governments alike with a broad range of analytical and practical opportunities, Prospect aims to serve as a trust provider for all sustainable energy access stakeholders.

    The Prospect project team is set to flexibly adjust the software in quick iterations and encourages clean energy practitioners to collaborate and actively share their needs and requests regarding features for further development.

    Find out more about Prospect and reach out to the team at prospect@a2ei.org.

  • Reuters Events: Energy Transition Asia Pacific 2022 (Virtual | 30 Nov – 1 Dec)

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    Energy transition is firmly rooted at the forefront of business and government agendas. After the success of the inaugural event last year, Reuters Events: Energy Transition Asia Pacific returns in 2022, taking place on 30 November – 1 December (Online). The event will unite 2,000+ CEOs, experts and key public and private sector leaders and decision makers from across the energy industry to tackle the defining issue of our time and deliver the strategy for a low carbon future.

    Hear the exclusive insights of 40+ CXO representatives from the major oil & gas companies, utilities, renewables, investors, intergovernmental bodies, ministers, and key leaders from across the region, as they establish a net zero strategy and chart the path forward, bridging the gap between countries leading the energy transition across Asia Pacific, and those with vast amounts of potential. Key themes for the event include policy regulation and reporting, security access and supply, stability affordability and financing, key transition technologies and electrification infrastructure and grid.

    The event will be held virtually, making it easy and accessible to attend.

    It will be attended by key decision makers and industry leaders from across APAC and the world to tackle these core energy transition challenges with world-class experts, hear about where investment and growth opportunities lie, and to network and form partnerships with new and existing clients and customers.

    Register today – spaces are limited.

  • Ticket shop open: OFF-GRID Expo + Conference (Augsburg | 1-2 Dec)

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    Only eight weeks until the start of the OFF-GRID Expo + Conference (OEC)! After so much talk about the energy crisis, we are finally coming together to explore some solutions. The OEC 2022 provides the platform for interactive exchanges and networking with the entire industry, with specialists from the fields research and science - and with you. We look forward to seeing you!

    First glimpses into the conference: Water – Energy – Food (WEF) - A pioneering nexus for global development

    As a conference partner, we always look forward to THE highlight of the OEC: the conference. Exciting sessions await you, for example “Water – Energy – Food (WEF) - A pioneering nexus for global development”. Our high-calibre speakers will share the latest insights into best practice in this sector where one of the key UN SDGs (sustainable development goals) takes centre stage. We are thrilled to welcome the following leading companies in the industry:

    • Lucia Kamati from Africa GreenTec AG
    • Carlo Tacconelli from Engreen SRL
    • Simon Zimmermann from Solarbakery GmbH
    • Dr. Hamed Beheshti from Boreal Light GmbH
    • Manutscher Malakuti from Bernt Lorentz GmbH

    Discover the five extra sessions of the conference programme.

    To the conference programme

    Register for the TechDay now!

    The OEC kicks off with the TechDay the day before the start of the actual trade fair and conference on 30 November in the Messe Augsburg Conference Center and is packed with product training and service training from the exhibitors at the OEC 2022. Interactive workshops offer all participants the opportunity to engage in crucial aspects of our lives in our world today, and which are a breeding ground for new ideas and projects for all stakeholders: the transfer of knowledge and the opportunity to make contacts.

    We will also be on-site to offer attendees a glimpse into our global activities for DRE from 9.00 am to 11.30 am. Don't miss this opportunity - buy your ticket for the OEC today, and gain access to the TechDay and our workshop.

    Buy tickets  

    More info about the TechDay 

    Do you still have questions you’d like to ask about the OEC? Then please contact us – or talk to the OEC Team directly. We will be happy to help you.

  • Leading renewable electrification actors unite in Burundi to push for universal energy access

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    ARE and the Burundi Renewable Energy Association (BUREA), with the support of GET.invest Burundi, financed by the European Union and part of GET.invest, and the World Bank organised the Burundi Energy Access Days on 4-5 October 2022 in Bujumbura. The event was held under the high patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Republic.

    This unique event welcomed 150 participants from 15 countries to catalyse the renewable electrification sector in Burundi and the region through the roundtable, interactive sessions, an exhibition and networking opportunities.

    On the first day of the event, His Excellency the Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, and Mr. Ibrahim Uwizeye, the Minister of Energy & Mines of Burundi, opened the Round Table on Universal Access to Electricity, where they were joined by other government representatives including, Audace Niyonzima, the Minister of Finance of Burundi. The country's electrification agency, development organisations, and the private sector gathered at the round table to discuss the government's plan to achieve universal access to energy by 2030.

    In order to support the plan with project implementations on the ground, the roundtable also obtained commitments from development partners.

    After a fruitful first day, ARE and BUREA organised the Burundi Renewable Energy Day which shed light on the investments and projects in the renewable energy sector in Burundi. Featuring a lively exhibition, the second day of the event provided participants with the opportunity to showcase their products and services and forge new business relationships.

    In addition, the GET.invest Matchmaking session allowed more than 80 meetings to take place between business partners in the region and investors, technology providers, project developers, as well as other innovators in the sector.

    Read the press release

  • International Energy Transition Week Nigeria (Abuja | 31 Oct – 4 Nov)

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    The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the ECOWAS Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), with support from Government of Nigeria are delighted to invite you to the International Energy Transition Week Nigeria (IETW Nigeria) on 31 October – 4 November 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria.

    There will be three on-site events and an exhibition to showcase innovative products and services on energy provision through the entire week:

    • ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (31 Oct - 1 Nov)
    • West Africa Investment Forum (2 Nov)
    • International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference & Exhibition (3 - 4 Nov)

    IETW Nigeria aims to catalyse public sector, business and investor partnerships, exchange information, provide a platform for sharing best practices and raise awareness on global progress made on SDG-7. Key participants include policymakers and representatives from private sector, NGOs, academia, financing institutions, and international organisations.

    ARE is the industry partner of IETW Nigeria and organiser of the exhibition.

  • Employment & Entrepreneurship in the DRE Sector – A Gender Perspective (Virtual | 9 Nov)

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    The global energy transition offers unparalleled employment opportunities. Recent evidence shows that DRE solutions have enabled unprecedented opportunities for women in rural communities. An estimated 30-37% of SMEs in emerging markets are owned and operated by women.

    DRE solutions can boost rural business development and improve women's incomes and decision-making power. Hence, rural women must be empowered to be active participants in the entire renewable energy value chain - as entrepreneurs, employees, innovators, designers, and decision-makers, contributing to the expansion of energy access.

    The 7th webinar under the PWCET series will have experts from the industry and public sector discussing the opportunities and constraints that low-income women face in accessing livelihoods in each level of the DRE supply chain. The interventions will be followed by a panel discussion and audience interaction.

    Register now

  • EU Green Power Transformation Power (Mbabane | 9 Nov)

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    The EU Green Power Transformation Forum Workshop will convene public and private stakeholders to enable business partnerships and knowledge sharing to catalyse investments and power sector reform to support the energy transition in Eswatini.

    The workshop will consist of two roundtables on the roles of each actor in the renewable energy sector, and how they should work together to reach bankability and access finance in Eswatini. A final panel discussion will address the skilled job force for the Eswatini renewable energy sector.

    The event, organised by ARE, is supported by the European Union Delegation to the Kingdom of Eswatini and the two European programmes ‘GET.invest’ and ‘GET.transform’, which are supported by the European Union, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and Austria. The event is co-organised by ‘Business Eswatini’ (BE) and ‘Renewable Energy Association of Eswatini’ (REAESWA).

    Register here

  • Business Conference - Renewables in Mozambique 2022 (Maputo | 6-7 Dec)

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    Mozambique has one of the largest power generation potentials in Southern Africa from untapped renewable energy resources like hydro, wind, and solar resources.

    This year, three associations – ALER, AMER and ARE – are joining forces to organise the Business Conference - Renewables in Mozambique on 6-7 December 2022 in Maputo, Mozambique. It is also supported by GET.invest Mozambique, funded by the European Union and Germany, and part of the European programme GET.invest.

    The conference will gather national and international businesses working in the renewable energy sector, national government institutions, international development organisations, academia, financers and other funding organisations who are expected to discuss how the enormous potential of renewable energy sources available in the country can be used to accelerate the electrification rate, providing clean and affordable energy to all by 2030.

    The conference aims to raise awareness about the investment potential for the private sector in Mozambique, by highlighting the latest technological advancements and the recently amended, and now favourable, legal, and regulatory framework.

    The conference will run for two days and will also offer parallel GET.invest Matchmaking opportunities for project developers, investors, and financiers.

    The partners have designed a few sponsoring options, enabling you to be visible in the market, to speak at this leading event, and/or exhibit your organisation, service, and product. Get in touch!

    Register here

  • Register now for the I4E webinar: Digitalisation & Optimisation

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    Join our fourth showcase event on 'Digitalisation & Optimisation' under the Innovation for Electrification (I4E) Series on 15 December 2022 at 14:00 - 15:30 CET!

    The world is faced with an energy dilemma. Worldwide, with 759 million people still without access to energy, solutions to close the energy gap must be implemented while plans to reach Net Zero are formalised. The IEA estimates that energy is responsible for around three-quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions, so we need to rethink how we create, manage, and consume energy. Digital technologies can play an instrumental role in improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

    The 90-minute webinar on 'Digitalisation & Optimisation' will feature presentations on digital technologies that can optimise energy production and consumption, related applications, and experiences from projects from ARE Members.

    Register now

  • Save the Date: ARE Energy Access Forum (Abidjan | 21-23 Mar)

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    We are thrilled to announce that the 2023 edition of the ARE Energy Access Investment Forum will take place on 21-23 March 2023 (tbc) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

    EAIF 2023 is organised by the ARE, co-hosted by the African Development Bank and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, and supported by GET.invest.

    The forum will gather private and public investors in the energy and climate space, including development finance institutions and international funding partners, government delegates as well as private sector companies from across the sector value chain, social entrepreneurs and CSO.

    More information to follow soon.

  • ARE: Pandemic-resilient communities powered by DRE

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    COVID-19 has magnified social inequalities and compromised the path towards affordable, reliable and sustainable universal energy access. At the intersection of energy access, climate change and

    socio-economic development, DRE is as an essential piece for rural communities to recover faster and better.

    In this year of hope and major political focus on green recovery, the time is now for international funding partners, politicians, government officials, investors and other relevant stakeholders around the world to integrate DRE as a core element of their green recovery plans, allocating the full range of financial solutions at hand and helping build an enabling environment to facilitate the massive deployment of DRE solutions on the ground.

    The portfolio of case studies showcases innovative solutions and best practices from successful projects supporting rural communities recover better and faster from the pandemic, with a particular focus on climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience.

  • IRENA: Renewable Energy & Jobs – Annual Review 2022

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    Jobs are of great importance in any economy. They are especially critical as the energy transition unfolds, given expected changes and disruptions in economic structures. Jobs represent a tangible benefit that gives people a stake in this transformation, and therefore promises to raise its political acceptance.

    The 9th edition of IRENA’s series, Renewable energy and jobs: Annual review 2022, produced in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), provides the latest estimates of renewable energy employment globally. Based on a wide range of studies and reports the report surveys the global renewable energy employment landscape as of 2021. It discusses experiences in selected countries with respect to deployment trends, policy contexts and pandemic impacts, with an eye to job numbers as well as job quality. This edition spotlights issues of job quality and labour standards in the mining and processing of raw materials inputs (upstream) and in the handling of materials once renewable energy generating facilities are decommissioned (downstream).

  • UNITAR & GPA: The State of the Humanitarian Energy Sector: Challenges, Progress and Issues in 2022

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    In 2022 there are over 102 million people forcibly displaced from their homes: over 21.7 million people forced over borders as refugees, 52.1 million people internally displaced within their countries, 4.7 million asylum seekers, 4.7 million returnees, 4.6 million stateless people, and another 14.4 million persons of concern. The Russia–Ukraine crisis which started in February 2022 drives these figures up daily. In protracted and emergency situations, the vast majority of displaced people do not have access to clean cooking solutions and are not able to access modern electricity to meet their needs.

    This report provides an analysis of the humanitarian energy sector in 2022: describing the state of play in energy access, governance, policy, financing, delivery, and evidence on energy in situations of displacement. The analysis and description cover energy issues in humanitarian situations: drawing on interviews with practitioners, experts on energy in displacement contexts and entrepreneurs, results from key implementation programmes and case studies, data assessments, progress on key topics, and expert recommendations for future programming and policymaking. The report highlights the core issues needed to deliver Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 on energy in displacement contexts.

Please note that views expressed in the Co-Editorial, the In Focus section and the Special Feature of the newsletter, are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect ARE’s opinion.

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