Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) yesterday signed grant agreements with 19 clean energy developers under Results-Based Financing (RBF), Universal Energy Facility (UEF), Stand-Alone Solar for Productive Use (SSPU) programme, for high capacity solar + battery storage systems.
“This is a step forward in our shared vision for a sustainable future. By signing these agreements, UEF is empowering clean energy developers…” Joseph Nganga, interim chief executive officer of Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), said. “I am proud of UEF’s work and excited to see the impact of these projects.”
Reliable clean electricity for homes, businesses, and institutions, transforms life. Electricity stays on, harmful petrol and diesel generators will be removed reducing indoor air pollution and CO2 emissions, equipment runs smoothly, and essential services as healthcare and education can function well. This unlocks economic opportunities and improves well-being.
“I am proud of the work to enable a better environment for private sector to grow in the energy sector. The companies signing the agreements are a testament to policies that have been put in place and capacity building efforts in the past to build the sector,” Abba Aliyu, managing director of Rural Electrification Agency, said.
This expansion builds on success of UEF’s initial launch of SSPU programme in February 2023 when 10 developers received grants to deploy SSPU units. Over 1,600 systems have been installed, serving over 1,200 businesses and institutions.
UEF has achieved progresin Nigeria, Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Sierra Leone.
The SSPU systems are game-changers, these solar power systems provide reliable electricity. Businesses can extend operating hours, utilise equipment, and improve product quality, leading to increased income. They also stimulate job creation by fostering local businesses that rely on electricity.
Distinguished guests at today’s event are Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All; Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, Country Director, World Bank, Nigeria; Mr. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency and Mr Aminu Umar- Sadiq, Managing Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority.
“In combination with innovative financing solutions, such as those we are discussing today through the Universal Energy Facility among other, the DARES project will scale up productive use and clean energy to not only communities but also to Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs) that form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy” said Shubham Chaudhuri, Country Director, World Bank, Nigeria.
During the event, the attendees will engage in a productive discussion around the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) initiative, the impact of the UEF, and the role of results-based financing and climate finance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
An example of how the UEF has transformed the lives of business owners is demonstrated with Ruth Badejo, a fashion designer at the Ayangburen Market , Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria who struggled with unreliable power for her business. Previously reliant on a petrol generator, she faced high prices of petrol, fuel shortages and power cuts, limiting her work hours and turning away clients.
The installation of the 5Kw solar + storage system at her shop by one of the clean energy developers under the UEF SSPU, has transformed her business. With constant, clean energy, Ruth now enjoys uninterrupted power 24/7. This allows her to save money, work longer hours without generator hassles and improves her work efficiency. The reliable power also benefits her clients, who can charge devices and enjoy a cool environment during visits, strengthening customer relationships.
Ruth sees a bright future with the SSPU system. The reliable power not only improves her service quality but also opens doors for business expansion, previously hindered by power issues. Her story exemplifies the UEF’s success in empowering small business owners like Ruth with sustainable energy, bringing positive change to both their professional and personal lives.
The Universal Energy Facility (UEF) is a multi-donor results-based finance facility established to significantly speed up and scale up energy access across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, in line with SDG7 and the Paris Agreement. The UEF provides incentive payments to eligible organizations deploying energy solutions and providing verified end-user electricity connections (including mini-grids and stand-alone solar systems) and clean cooking solutions based on pre-determined standards. The facility is managed by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and supported by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, Shell Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Bezos Earth Fund, Africa Minigrid Developers Association, Power Africa, Good Energies, UKaid, Carbon Trust, IKEA Foundation, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
