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EEP In-Depth Study on Solar PV business models

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EEP S&EA has carried out a study analyzing and synthesizing experiences from different solar PV business models in the EEP funded projects in southern and east Africa. The key findings of the study focus on the suitability of the business models to different market segments, creation of employment opportunities as well as the role of public-private partnerships’ in implementing solar PV business models. Finally, the study presents the specific areas where financial support could be targeted in support of the solar PV sector. The Solar PV in-depth study is the second in-depth study published by the EEP S&EA.

Read the full In-Depth Study about solar PV business models here >>

A policy brief on the solar PV business models, produced by EEP ECO, was also published in the latest issue of ESI-Africa magazine, which is available here>>

EEP S&EA has published two new Innovative Business Models from Rwanda and Kenya

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NURU – GIVING LIGHT IN RWANDA

rwanda-130809-0245The second published Innovative Business Model presents Nuru Energy (Nuru), a Rwandan company providing rural households with access to sustainable, off-grid energy solutions. Nuru’s business model provides not only access to affordable energy, but also a platform to develop rural entrepreneurship. The new, environmentally safe product offering involves four key components: LED task lights, 60W solar panel, POWERCycle pedal generator and the Octopus Charger.

The Nuru Energy business model is successful because it considers the local conditions and needs for an off-grid solution specifically tailored for households living below the poverty line. By studying the characteristics of kerosene or flashlights for light consumption and leveraging off the examples from telecoms and collaborative consumption businesses, Nuru Energy can offer affordable LED lights to lowest income consumers and opportunities for village-level entrepreneurs to grow their own business whilst Nuru can generate revenue through the energy credit system.

Nuru Energy has by today distributed close to 100,000 LED lights successfully set up over 700 village-level entrepreneurs with an off-grid recharging platform that serves over 800 villages.

Read the full story of Nuru Energy’s Innovative Business Model 

 

BUILD, OWN, OPERATE AND TRANSFER MODEL BY LEAN

The third published Innovative Business Model introduces a business model by Lean Solutions Energy Group (Lean). One of the company’s highlights is the successful Boiler/Furnace Conversion programme. The programme aims at 25% savings in energy costs by offering two solutions, conversion of existing fossil fuel boilers or furnaces to Lean Briqs fed boilers and furnaces or alternatively, for very old boilers, installation of a new lean fired boiler set. The eco-friendly Lean Briqs are non-carbonized briquettes produced from charcoal dust and agricultural waste including sugar cane remains, saw dust and coffee husks.

The innovative business model Lean has developed for the boilers wp_20140630_10_05_15_prois based on four steps: Build, Own, Operate and Transfer – the BOOT model. The unique solution of the BOOT model is that Lean takes the full responsibility of the investment and the boiler that is located at the facilities of the client. Lean owns the boiler and is in-charge of building and operating the boiler.

The BOOT model is highly replicable and the boiler conversions can be efficiently implemented. In addition to positive results through employment opportunities and reductions in use of petroleum-based fuels, the EEP funding is expected to achieve a catalysing effect that will enable up to 30 boiler conversion projects within the next three years.

Read the full story of Lean’s Innovative Business Model

 

Previously EEP has published a study on Innovative Business Model by Inyenyeri in Rwanda. The publication Proof is in the cooking is available here.

 

 

EEP In-Depth Study on Energy Efficiency

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Energy efficiency is a concept that affects all systems that produce, transmit, store or consume energy and it has been called as one of the world’s greatest future ‘sources’ of energy. The EEP S&EA has published an In-Depth Study on Energy Efficiency. This report highlights energy efficiency issues relating to different technologies applied in the projects supported by EEP. A closer look will be taken at four specific areas within the EEP S&EA portfolio, which are significantly impacted by energy efficiency: clean cookstoves, lighting technology, building sector and solar PV projects. The Energy Efficiency In-Depth Study is the first in a series of In-Depth studies that will be published by EEP S&EA.

Learn more about energy efficiency issues and read the full In-Depth Study here>>

The Energy Efficiency In-Depth Study is supported by a number of separate Technical Briefs presenting a broad overview of energy efficiency principles which affect the key areas of energy systems within the portfolio. These technical briefs provide introductions to some of the key concepts relating to energy efficiency in the EEP projects, and enhance the understanding of the energy efficiency’s technical background.  The first brief addresses the different aspects of energy efficiency on a more general level and the second one highlights the importance of technology choices and practical considerations for improving the total efficiency of solar PV systems.

Read the Technical Briefs here>>

 

 

Learn more about Energy Efficiency issues from EEP Technical Briefs

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EEP has produced a series of technical briefs, which provide
introductions to some of the key concepts relating to energy energy-efficiencyefficiency in the EEP projects and enhance the understanding of the energy efficiency’s technical background.  The first brief addresses the different aspects of energy efficiency on a more general level and the second one highlights the importance of technology choices and practical considerations for improving the total efficiency of solar PV systems.  Get a broader overview of the energy efficiency principles and read the first two Technical Briefs here:

 

First EEP Investor Forum welcomed as a great initiative

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On Monday the 5th of December, the EEP programme organised its first Investor Forum in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The objective of the event was to bring EEP project developers who are looking for post-EEP investment in their company or project(s) in contact with potential investors.

drawntolight-66Each of the 16 EEP projects represented at the Forum was requested to give an “elevator pitch” of three minutes maximum to the investors present. The aim of these pitches was to introduce the project developer and the investment sought for and to entice the investors present to have a further discussion.

Similarly all eight investors made a short presentation of their organisations and funding appetite.

The atmosphere was full of anticipation which was released into lively discussions and energy when the meetings got underway between the interesting and innovative project developers and interested investors.

After the introductions one-on-one meetings were held between project developers and investors. The one-on-one matchmaking was facilitated by the EEP team prior to the Forum based on the input from the project developers and the investors to ensure valuable meetings and interactions. Finally, based on interest aroused by the pitching session, a second round of meetings was facilitated to guarantee that the interests of project developers and investors were met.

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During the day close to 80 formal matchmaking meetings were organised. In addition, numerous informal discussion between the different stakeholders took place.

The feedback received from both the EEP project developers and the investors was highly positive and encouraging. The Forum was found extremely useful in making the first contacts, and a substantial number of follow-up discussions have already been planned!

 

 

“Extremely beneficial. There was real appetite from four investors. It was also very good to connect with the EEP team.” -Project Developer

The Investor Forum in Johannesburg was the first of its kind organised by EEP. Based on its success, EEP has decided to organise a second Investor Forum in Nairobi in May 2017. Please ensure to follow us through our newsletter and social media to stay informed on the upcoming details.

“Very beneficial – got exposure to projects that could potentially qualify for our funding.” –Investor

 

Knowledge Exchange Forum – registration has been closed

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Fourth Knowledge Exchange Forum (KEF)

Nairobi // Tuesday 20 September // the Hilton hotel at 08:00 am 

Due to unexpected high number of registrations, we have exceeded the venue capacity and the registration have been closed. Thank you for all who registered and we look forward to meet you in Nairobi! 
About the event

The KEF concept has been developed by EEP as a main tool in sharing knowledge and experiences between EEP project developers and other stakeholders in the industry.

The positive feedback we received on our earlier KEFs in Johannesburg (2014), Dar-es-Salaam (December 2015) and Windhoek (June 2016) enables us to present you an event that is specifically geared towards EEP project developers. It will see a combination of presentations on the current status of (renewable) energy in the region, options and possibilities for support to your respective projects, announcement of the EEP Project of the Year Award 2016 and of course ample opportunity to share experiences, learn from each other and to network.

Read the Agenda of the forum here:

KEF Nairobi September 2016-programme

 

The two days following the KEF, the East Africa Power Industry Convention (EAPIC) will take place next door at the KICC on 21 & 22 September. This will offer you the opportunity to participate in our KEF and the following day attend the opening address of the EAPIC and visit the associated exhibition and technical workshops. For those of you that are able to stay the two additional days, you can also participate at the EAPIC conference. The opening addresses, technical workshops and exhibition of EAPIC are free of charge to attend.

Details on the event can be found at http://www.eapicforum.com/

 

 

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It’s Africa’s turn!

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African markets are booming with endless opportunities for both local and international organizations. The EEP S&EA is supporting projects in all fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency, bridging the gap between a good idea and a bankable project. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow the website to receive the information of upcoming funding windows.

Watch our promotional video >>