Opportunities to scale up deployment of off-grid solar essential to unlock energy access across Africa were outlined by development finance partners ahead of the launch of a new study by the International Solar Alliance and the European Investment Bank.
“The International Solar Alliance is pleased to continue our close partnership with the European Investment Bank and propose clear ways to unlock access to off-grid solar in Africa. Our joint study builds on expert insight and commercial success to detail what is needed to provide clean energy to off-grid rural areas including refugee camps, urban areas and remote villages across Africa by identifying and overcoming investment gaps and financial barriers,” said Ajay Mathur, Director General of the International Solar Alliance.
“Off-grid solar technology exists that is already harnessing clean and affordable energy that transforms the lives of millions of people. The European Investment Bank, as the EU climate bank, and International Solar Alliance are committed to accelerating access to solar power and together contribute a new milestone study that shares experience and expertise from successful off-grid deployment essential to unlock investment and technical barriers that hold back sustainable development and the green transition,” said Ambroise Fayolle, European Investment Bank Vice President.
Commissioned by the European Investment Bank, in partnership with the International Solar Alliance, the new study gathers best-practice and insight from successful deployment of off-grid solar investment in Asia that can benefit similar investment also across Africa.
The European Investment Bank is supporting 8 off-grid solar projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. Last year the EIB provided EUR 5 million for private and public investment across Africa and is supporting off-grid solar across Africa including projects in, Chad, Comores, Gambia, Kenya, Mozambique and Uganda.
