-
There is Such a Thing as Too Much, Too Fast: Avoiding ‘Mismatched Expectations’ in Off-Grid Energy Investing
A recent post by impact investing firm Ceniarth on the "Energy Access Hype Cycle" has generated considerable discussion, prompting critical responses from fellow impact investors Persistent Energy Capital and the off-grid lighting trade organization GOGLA. With this post, writers at the IFC join the discussion, analyzing the effect of rapid growth rates, high levels of consumer financing and operational efficiency on the liquidity of solar home system providers.
- Categories
- Energy, Investing, Technology
-
An Impact Investor Urges Caution on the ‘Energy Access Hype Cycle’
Ceniarth, an impact investor, has been actively engaged in the energy access sector since 2014. But now it's reducing its exposure to the venture-backed, solar home system segment of this market while shifting its strategy toward enterprises – for-profit, nonprofit and hybrid – that are finding the most capital-efficient ways to reach rural customers. Here, three principals in the firm candidly explain why they are reassessing their approach.
- Categories
- Energy, Environment, Investing
-
Press release: IEEE Awards $1.2 Million for Off-Grid Energy Entrepreneurs
IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization advancing technology for humanity, announced that IEEE Smart Village (ISV) has granted $1.2 million in new funds for selected sustainable energy projects with a potential life-changing impact on up to seven million people around the world.
- Categories
- Energy, Technology
-
Viewpoint: Climate Change And Global Poverty Can Only Be Solved Together
While it is entirely appropriate that leaders of developing countries seek to raise their citizens’ standard of living and develop their economies, they must avoid emulating China in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change and local pollution.
- Categories
- Environment, Technology
- Region
- Asia Pacific
-
Soldiering on in Solar: Why the ‘Investable’ Deals Debate isn’t the Whole Story
An ongoing debate on NextBillion in 2017 has been the extent to which impact investors should steer clear of the "hype cycle" surrounding off-grid solar providers, particularly in Africa. But after a recent trip to Tanzania where he met with several solar entrepreneurs, WRI's Sanjoy Sanyal argues that now is precisely the time to push forward. He explores why genuine, impact-seeking investors need to look ahead of the current incumbents and support local entrepreneurs.
-
USADF, All On partner to invest in off-grid energy in Nigeria
UNited States African Development Foundation (USADF) and All On have announced a three-year partnership that will see both parties provide a $3million-fund to expand access to energy for underserved and unserved markets in Nigeria and boost operations of Nigerian owned off-grid energy companies.
- Categories
- Energy
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
As India goes big on renewables, bright minds are looking to develop innovative tech
India has big plans when it comes to renewable energy. The government has set itself ambitious targets, including commissioning 175 gigawatts of renewable energy by the year 2022.
- Categories
- Energy, Technology
- Region
- South Asia
-
Rwanda: renewables sector receives $50m investment
Rwanda's renewable energy sector has received a $50 million injection to be distributed through the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD).
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa