INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Green Technology
Ugandans to access affordable energy under new EIB and ENGIE initiative
ENGIE is scaling up off-grid solar power model for transforming rural energy access across Africa with EIB financing to overcome barriers to 80 % of Ugandans without access to electricity .
Millions of people , small holders
and entrepreneurs in remote villages across Uganda are set to access reliable and cheap electricity for the first time under a new off-grid solar scheme agreed between ENGIE , through its Solar Home System company Fenix International and the European Investment Bank , one of the world ' s largest financiers of renewable energy .
“ Access to affordable and clean energy is important to fight poverty , create jobs and empower women and girls . The European Investment Bank is pleased to agree new support for scaling up off-grid solar deployment in East Africa under this new partnership with ENGIE . Over a million people across Uganda will be able to access electricity for the first time that will power communications , provide light and make cooking easier . This scheme will also reduce use of kerosene , charcoal and candles to help families save money , reduce pollution and reduce the risk of accidents . Unlocking sustainable economic and social development through off-grid solar is key for Africa ' s future and the EIB is pleased to back this project in Uganda ,” said Ambroise Fayolle , Vice President , European Investment Bank .
Yoven Moorooven , CEO , ENGIE Africa , added that : “ At ENGIE , we see the massive potential of the off-grid electrification sector as a way to bridge energy gaps across Africa , faster and more affordably . Every day families across Africa are able to access electricity for the first time using off-grid solar technology provided by ENGIE Africa . Our new partnership with the European Investment Bank in Uganda will allow Fenix to provide ultra-affordable PAYGO systems to millions of people in villages across the country . This will provide access to clean solar power and financial empowerment .”
Moorooven explained that providing access to energy in Africa is a huge undertaking but the company firmly believes that universal access to energy is achievable in the foreseeable future , through smart investments in a combination of national grid extension , solar home systems and mini-grids .
“ With our off-grid platform , we are industrialising and scaling up the development of a wide range of decentralised solutions , with a sustainable business model . As of now , ENGIE is providing decentralised electricity to more than 4.5 million people in nine countries through solar home systems from both Fenix and ENGIE Mobisol , as well as minigrids from ENGIE PowerCorner .”
The EIB has agreed to provide a US $ 12.5 million loan to support the deployment of 240,000 high-quality solar home systems in Uganda by Fenix International , a subsidiary of ENGIE . •
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