Clean Energy Firm Husk Signs UN Energy Compact as it Begins Solar Mini-Grid Expansion in Nigeria, Rest of Africa
By Annie Njanja
Husk Power Systems, a clean energy company that has been at the forefront of fueling rural electrification since 2008, is planning to launch 500 solar mini-grids in Nigeria over the next five years.
The renewable energy firm revealed the plans today when it announced the signing of a voluntary commitment with the United Nations to grow its energy market in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The commitment is contained under the 24/7 Carbon-free Energy Compact, by leading energy buyers, suppliers, equipment manufacturers and governments, representing a global effort to accelerate the uptake of carbon-free electricity as a way of averting the perilous effects of climate change.
The startup, currently with operations in Nigeria, Tanzania and India (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar), has set an ambitious goal of installing at least 5,000 mini-grids by 2030 and in the process make 1 million connections — half of which will be micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. In November last year, Husk launched its first six mini-grids in Nigeria, and is looking to have 100 operational within two years.
Photo courtesy of IRENA.
Source: TechCrunch (link opens in a new window)
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