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Why Private Businesses — Not Non-Profits and NGOs — Present the Only Scalable Solution for Last-Mile Electrification in Africa
In the pursuit of last-mile electrification in Africa, both businesses and NGOs/non-profits are pursuing different pathways to scale. In a recent NextBillion article, Aneri Pradhan at New Energy Nexus argued that market-led approaches are ill-suited for remote communities, and that philanthropy should focus more on scalable non-profit models. But according to Yariv Cohen at Ignite Power, when it comes to serving these communities at scale, businesses offer advantages that non-profits and NGOs cannot match. He explores why the private sector’s role is critical for addressing energy poverty across Africa.
- Categories
- Energy, Technology
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Scalable Mini-Grid Design Requires Expandable Systems: Why Modular Technology and Finance are Key to the Sector’s Growth and Sustainability
Mini-grids offer a proven, low-cost solution to bring energy access to hard-to-reach communities. But as Nathan Sermonis and Liam Murphy at Vittoria Technology argue, mini-grid projects need to start small and grow alongside customer demand for optimal sustainability. They explore why smart mini-grid design requires expandable, right-sized systems with “modular” finance and technology, and discuss how recent innovations in batteries and other solar technologies can enable this change in the sector’s approach to system design.
- Categories
- Energy, Technology
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Africa50 Joins IRENA’s ETAF Platform to Accelerate Renewable Energy Deployment in Africa
The partnership aims to reinforce efforts towards sustainable development and climate action across the continent.
- Categories
- Energy
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Off-Grid Energy Leader ENGIE Energy Access Launches 15 Solar Mini-Grids in Zambia, Targets 60 by 2025
ENGIE Energy Access will provide reliable electricity to underserved families and small businesses, creating economic growth and increasing socio-economic welfare in local communities.
- Categories
- Energy, Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Kathmandu Is Making Taxi Drivers Switch to EVs. Not All Drivers Can Afford One
The Xpres-T, made by Indian carmaker Tata, is the only EV approved for use as a taxi in Nepal. It costs $27,000 — several years’ income.
- Categories
- Energy, Technology, Transportation
- Region
- Asia Pacific
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Orange Energies Opens Digital Platform for Energy Companies
According to the business, the IOT platform addresses the profitability difficulties that African energy producers confront by lowering the risk of non-payment.
- Categories
- Technology, Telecommunications
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Urgent Action Required to Address Sub-Saharan Africa’s Energy Equity: WEF Report
Sub-Saharan Africa is grappling with significant equity challenges, demanding urgent improvements in energy access.
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Report: Progress on Basic Energy Access Reverses for First Time in a Decade
A combination of factors contributed to this including the global energy crisis, inflation, growing debt distress in many low-income countries, and increased geopolitical tensions.
- Categories
- Energy
- Region
- Global
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