Kigali, Rwanda – At the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) Forum in Kigali, Rwanda this week, CLASP was announced as the new host and manager of the Energy Access Institutions Facility, an initiative that seeks to provide core funding and technical assistance to organizations who accelerate access to life-changing, off-grid energy to millions of people around the world.

Over the next five years, the Facility’s vision is to deploy $25 million USD to a portfolio of five to ten impactful organizations, known as “market institutions”, that are working to grow the distributed renewable energy (DRE) sector. DRE systems are stand-alone, off-grid energy solutions that generate and distribute renewable energy without needing to be connected to the main grid. Expanding this sector has the potential to transform lives and livelihoods by increasing incomes, empowering women, enhancing educational opportunities, improving healthcare, reducing food waste, avoiding greenhouse gas emissions, and much more.

The Facility’s growing portfolio of organizations is expected to have reach across several countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, potentially increasing the delivery of renewable off-grid energy to millions of people from low-income communities.

Market institutions that support the following will be eligible to apply to the Energy Access Institutions Facility:

• Clean cooking solutions
• Energy efficient appliances and equipment
• Productive Use of Energy
• Standalone solar systems
• Micro grids and mini grids

This Facility is a result of multiple years of funding and commitment by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UK charity Shell Foundation (SF), and two years of incubation and development managed by Open Capital. FCDO and SF provided $5.5 million USD in seed funding to the first tranche of market institutions to prove this concept.

In the Facility’s first year, five market institutions, including the Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA), Ethiopia Energy Market Accelerator (EMA), GOGLA, Nigeria Off-Grid Market Accelerator Programme (NOMAP), and the Uganda Off-Grid Market Accelerator, were the first grantees.

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has recently announced its commitment to providing approximately $4.5 million USD in funding for this next phase led by CLASP. This support will enable the Facility to disperse further funding to another round of market institutions and accelerate the Facility’s growth. In the coming months, CLASP is committed to securing additional funding from donors who have already indicated an interest in this impactful initiative.

Anders Arvidson, Senior Advisor and Team Lead in Sida’s Power Africa Team, noted:

“The Facility’s vision of accelerating access to clean energy for the world’s lowest-income people strategically aligns with Sida’s mission to reduce poverty around the world by partnering with the private sector in support of market development and mobilization of capital. We are proud to offer our support to take this initiative to its next phase, and to accelerate necessary growth in the clean energy sector. We look forward to working closely with CLASP to realize this vision.”

CLASP was selected because of the organization’s 25-year tenure as the leading, global organization advancing affordable, efficient appliances to mitigate climate change and help communities adapt and thrive. CLASP has proven expertise managing similar programs, including serving as the co-secretariat of the Efficiency for Access Coalition, an initiative supporting off-grid appliance market research and innovation; and as Operating Agent for the Super-efficient Appliance and Equipment Deployment (SEAD), a $20 million initiative under the Clean Energy Ministerial. CLASP also manages the Productive Use Financing Facility, a $6.5 million financing facility to catalyze the uptake of productive use appliances across East, West and Central Africa.

Christine Egan, CEO at CLASP, reflected on how the Energy Access Institutions Facility would push for real impact in the sector:

“The Energy Access Institutions Facility is positioned to impact and enhance millions of lives at a critical moment for sustainable development and global climate ambition. Exponentially increasing the number of people using off-grid, renewable energy and appliances will be a livelihood game changer in regions where access to traditional grid electricity is insufficient or non-existent. CLASP is committed to serving the sector and partnering with essential energy access institutions to deliver and scale collective impacts.”

In the coming months, CLASP will communicate opportunities for involvement and next steps for market-enabling organizations who are interested in participating, as well as donors who are interested in further supporting the Facility.

About the Facility

The Energy Access Institutions Facility is a joint donor initiative to support and strengthen the institutions that are essential for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7, universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030. The Facility is supported by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) and UK aid via the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform.

Learn more about the Facility.

About CLASP

CLASP is the leading global authority with 25 years’ expertise on how appliance efficiency drives climate mitigation, adaptation and improves the lives and livelihoods of people. An international nonprofit with offices on four continents, CLASP collaborates with policymakers, appliance manufacturers, and leading experts to deliver sound policy recommendations, innovative tools, groundbreaking research, and clear pathways to a more sustainable world for people and the planet.

Rain-fed agriculture is a fundamental pillar of the Ethiopian economy. In 2022, agriculture employed about 80% percent of the country’s workforce and contributed nearly 38% to gross domestic product (GDP).¹ However, persistent droughts have posed significant challenges to farmers’ livelihoods and reduced food yields.

Off-grid irrigation as a solution

Solar water pumps are a sustainable, off-grid solution to improve small-scale irrigation, strengthen community resilience, and support sustainable economic growth. Powered by the sun, solar water pumps also reduce the use of fossil fuels, so they are less harmful to the climate. Rekik Bekele is the founder and CEO of Green Scene Energy, a thriving solar appliance distributor. Green Scene recently received business support through CLASP’s Productive Use Financing Facility to increase its supply of affordable solar water pumps.

Founded by Rekik Bekele in 2016, Green Scene Energy provides affordable, high-quality solar energy products in off-grid areas of Ethiopia. Green Scene began by specializing in solar home lighting systems, later expanding its portfolio to include solar mini-grid, commercial and industrial solar engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) solutions for off-grid projects.

In 2022, in response to the growing need for irrigation pumping in rural areas across Ethiopia, Green Scene began distributing solar-powered water pumps. To date, the company has successfully positioned itself as a market leader in the provision of affordable solar water pumping systems.

Financial support catalyzing progress

Despite a growing demand for solar water pumps, the substantial upfront capital required exposes significant challenges. According to Rekik, CLASP’s Productive Use Financing Facility has been instrumental in allowing Green Scene to continue selling solar water pumps in 2023. “We had been seeking investment for some time; by the end of 2022, we were only importing small numbers of pumps at a time, using existing sales revenue,” observed Rekik.

“Green Scene’s expanded capacity to make larger, more efficient orders, is allowing us to reach many more end users. Response to the introduction of the pumps is incredibly positive. The farmers are pleased with the improvements.”

Appliances with a transformative potential

Efficient productive use appliances (PUAs), like solar water pumps, refrigerators, and milling machines, have transformative effects on local communities, small businesses, and the environment. However, despite their potential for income generation, PUA sales remain remarkably low in emerging markets due to their relatively high upfront costs and a lack of access to finance. CLASP’s innovative financing facility addresses these challenges by helping distribution companies like Green Scene sell their products at lower prices.

Multifaceted support

The Facility’s support to Green Scene is multifaceted. Subsidies to lower product prices are easing import constraints, while increased performance testing verifies product quality. A capacity-building grant is also helping with a variety of one-off costs and purchases associated with introducing new product lines.

“The funding has assisted Green Scene in selling over 50 solar water pumps,” adds Rekik. “We expect to sell at least another 250 during the upcoming months.”

According to Rekik, demand is leading Green Scene away from the sole retail of solar lighting, toward a greater focus on solar-powered productive-use appliances (PUAs). She attributes this strategic transition to the considerable success achieved with solar water pumps and a recognition of the tremendous potential within the PUA market.

Assisting customers to access finance

In addition to expanding and diversifying its portfolio, Green Scene Energy has also leveraged the Facility’s support to unlock consumer financing for solar water pumps. Rekik and her colleagues have been working closely with an Ethiopian bank to design the bank’s first-ever consumer loan product for solar water pumps.

“Previously, the Bank had provided loans for solar lighting to consumers through Micro-Finance Institutions (MFI),” explains Rekik. “However, solar water pumps have become more expensive and technologically complex. For the first time, the MFIs are now offering collateral-free loans for solar water pumps.”

According to Rekik, CLASP’s financing has been critical for Green Scene because it is in a scale-up stage. They have been able to use the funding to gain confidence and trust in their business, which has in turn facilitated the securing of additional private financing.

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About The Productive Use Financing Facility

CLASP’s Productive Use Financing Facility, is supported by The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). It has provided financing to 24 companies in six countries, to enable the distribution of over 13,000 productive-use appliances, directly impacting more than 58,000 households.

Appliances Supporting Life-Saving Health Facilities

The Rhino Camp is a refugee settlement camp in Northern Uganda. Within the camp is the Ofua Health Center 3, a solar-powered medical facility with just two doctors attending to a population of over 45,000 people. Dr. Gideon Anguerini highlights a pressing challenge: the center’s reliance on a single, energy-inefficient fridge unsuitable for solar power. The health center aims to purchase an efficient solar-powered fridge from POPO Africa, an appliance distributor based in Uganda. With the fridge, the health center’s services will be expanded, its energy costs significantly lowered and it can treat more patients.

Delivering Change through Solar Solutions

From the outset, POPO Africa’s vision aimed at enhancing maternal health by ensuring that clinics in refugee camps had reliable solar lighting powered by solar battery packs. This expanded, as the company moved into leasing the battery packs to the wider community.

POPO’s solar batteries are a lifeline for community businesses, enabling them to operate after dark, offer phone charging services, and more. With 54 distribution points across five districts, POPO’s impact is widespread, directly employing 75 people and indirectly supporting many more through their distribution network. POPO Africa also places a strong emphasis on women’s economic empowerment, boasting a workforce that is 70% female.

Recognizing the critical need for cooling services POPO aimed to revolutionize the off-grid cold chain service in Northern Uganda. The only barrier to this was capital constraints. POPO could not pursue the cold chain opportunity without external support. With funding from CLASP’s Productive Use Financing Facility, POPO was able to start selling solar-powered refrigerators, that will benefit healthcare facilities and empower local businesses.

Transformative, Impactful Financing

Efficient productive-use appliances (PUAs) like solar-powered refrigerators, pumps, and milling machines can have transformative effects on local communities, small businesses, and the environment. However, despite their potential for income generation, PUA sales remain remarkably low in emerging markets due to their relatively high upfront costs and a lack of access to finance. CLASP set up the Productive Use Financing Facility to address these challenges by helping distribution companies like POPO Africa sell their products at lower prices.

Overcoming Capital Constraints

With CLASP’s Facility’s procurement subsidies and capacity-building grant, POPO is working to sell approximately 140 refrigerators within a year. They have made that transformative step into the cold chain market and are now extending affordable, off-grid cooling to their customers, like the Ofua Health Center.

With each solar-powered battery and refrigerator, POPO is helping to build a future where energy is accessible, businesses thrive, and healthcare advances, even in the most remote corners of the world.

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About The Productive Use Financing Facility

CLASP’s Productive Use Financing Facility, is supported by The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). It has provided financing to 24 companies in six countries, to enable the distribution of over 13,000 productive-use appliances, directly impacting more than 58,000 households.

Cosmos Ntare’s farm is in Kayonza, three hours outside of Kigali. Until recently, his ability to grow his main crops — peas, mangoes, oranges, maize, and beans — was limited by the availability of water. “Without irrigation, you only have two seasons to grow crops,” he points out. “With irrigation, I will be able to grow crops in the third season, the dry season.”

Water has also posed a challenge for Ntare’s livestock operations. He keeps several cows and goats at the top of a hill, where it can be difficult to transport heavy liquids.

To support Ntare in overcoming these issues, CLASP selected his farm to field test a solar water pump. Ntare had seen these devices on display in shops in Kigali, but hadn’t had the opportunity to try one out yet due to their cost.

Testing clean irrigation solutions

Secure irrigation is becoming a necessity as our planet heats. Solar water pumps are off-grid appliances that use sunlight for power. Photovoltaic panels generate electricity that powers a motor, allowing the pump to draw water from either under the ground or from ponds, lakes, and rivers.

By ensuring a regular supply of water, these pumps can increase a farm’s yield. In addition, they avoid the use of diesel pumps for off-grid electricity, so they have cheaper running costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

To understand how these productive use appliances perform in a working farm over time, CLASP and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) selected Ntare’s farm to field-test a solar water pump for four months. CLASP’s team set up the pump, along with monitors designed to measure its efficiency. The researchers are also surveying the farmers during the testing period to understand whether these appliances are a good fit for their needs.

Measuring efficiency and business viability

While laboratory testing gives a glimpse of appliance performance in a controlled environment, it provides only a limited representation of how products operate under the rigors of real use. Field testing like that underway at Ntare’s farm is critical to measure the appliance’s efficiency and durability over an extended period of time. It can quantify time savings and additional income generated or saved, as well as calculate avoided CO2.

These measurements are particularly important in markets where there may not be a history of appliance usage or community awareness of how appliances can impact the livelihoods of first-time users.

About the project

This project is part of the Productive Use of Energy Pilot Study in Rwanda, conducted by CLASP with the support of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and the World Bank. The appliances being tested are electric pressure cookers, electric bikes, solar water pumps, and solar-powered fridges.

CLASP works enhance the access to affordable, energy-efficient appliances to improve the lives of people and reduce the impact on our climate.

On 28 November 2023, CLASP hosted a virtual launch of the landmark publication ‘Net Zero Heroes: Scaling Efficient Appliances for Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation & Resilience’. The event showcased how ten essential appliances, the #NetZeroHeroes, are crucial for achieving global climate objectives and advancing climate adaptation and resilience efforts.

Watch the recording to hear inspirational case studies and powerful data that prove the effectiveness and scalability of affordable, efficient appliance solutions. The Net Zero Heroes flagship report is launched ahead of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference Conference (COP28) to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (30 November-12 December 2023).

Event speakers

Our event featured a diverse group of experts who shared their insights and experiences in the world of energy efficiency, climate action, and appliance innovation.

• Axum Teferra – Clean Cooling Collaborative
• Christine Eibs Singer – Shine Campaign
• Christine Egan – CLASP
• Duncan Gibb – Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP)
• Oliver-Bealby Wright – Consumers International

The event was moderated by Joyita Mukherjee, a CLASP board member and expert in international development and blended finance.

Follow our #NetZeroHeroes digital campaign on social media.

Driven by the sustainable growth of the market for solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) in Kenya, valued at approximately USD 30 million, the sector is offering expanding job opportunities. In Kenya alone, the SPIS sector is projected to create approximately 7,000 to 10,000 direct jobs by 2027. These well-paying and impactful positions can offer employment to rural youth who often face challenges accessing education, employment, or training.

Efficiency for Access, in collaboration with Dalberg, is committed to equipping these young individuals with the essential hard and soft skills to excel in the SPIS sector. Given that opportunities in this sector often demand specialized skills that are in short supply among youth, we are introducing a pilot program that will provide SPIS training to young adults post-high school. This specialized training not only meets the needs of underemployed youth but also addresses the growing demand for skilled labor as the solar irrigation sector continues to expand.

Through the successful implementation of this program, Efficiency for Access’ and Dalberg’s aim is to establish a blueprint and proof of concept that can be replicated in other regions and in the broader realm of green jobs, particularly within the productive-use renewable energy (PURE) sector.

Learn more about Efficiency for Access’ pilot concept and how you can be a part of this initiative.

If interested in collaborating, please contact:

• Sam Grant, Senior Director, Clean Energy Access, CLASP, sgrant@clasp.ngo
• Charlie Habershon, Associate Partner, Dalberg, Charlie.Habershon@dalberg.com

Download the Unlocking Green Jobs for Rural Youth in Solar Irrigation presentation to learn more.

About Efficiency for Access

Efficiency for Access is a global coalition working to promote high-performing, energy-efficient appliances that enable access to clean energy for the world’s poorest people. It is a catalyst for change, accelerating the growth of off-grid appliance markets to boost incomes, reduce carbon emissions, improve quality of life, and support sustainable development. The Efficiency for Access Coalition is coordinated jointly by CLASP,  an international not-for-profit appliance energy efficiency and market development specialist organization, and UK’s Energy Saving Trust, which specializes in energy efficiency product verification, data and insight, advice, and research.

Cold storage technologies play a crucial role in preserving food freshness, preventing spoilage, and extending shelf life, but it is essential that they do so in an environmentally sustainable manner. This technology trend brief, titled “Keep it Cool: Harnessing Cold Storage to Reduce Food Loss & Support Sustainable Food Systems in Emerging Economies,” is brought to you by Efficiency for Access and partners. It highlights innovative cold chain technologies that are addressing these critical challenges.

The latest data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) offers some startling statistics about food loss. Not only is 14% of food lost in the supply chain, food waste also:

• Contributes to 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions;
• Squanders a land mass the size of China;
• And has an economic cost of around $1 trillion annually;

However, despite these losses, one in ten people globally remains malnourished. As the population grows and the demand for nutritious food increases, energy-efficient and sustainable cold chain becomes critical to reducing food loss, improving food security, and mitigating climate impact. We need a global paradigm shift towards cold storage technologies that align with international climate agreements.

This brief spotlights three organizations that are working alongside Efficiency for Access at the forefront of this field:

• Wageningen University & Research has developed a postharvest assessment method, which identifies key areas of food loss in the supply chain and suggests interventions to minimize waste. Their research provides valuable guidance for reducing food loss and improving the efficiency of the cold chain.
• Global Food Cold Chain Council is an independent not-for-profit industry organization that seeks to simultaneously reduce food waste, and related greenhouse gas emissions in the processing, transportation, storage, and retail display of cold food by expanding and improving access to energy efficient low-global warming potential technology.
• Champions 12.3 is a coalition of global leaders who are all committed to supporting SDG12.3 which aims to halve food waste and reduce food loss by 2030. The Champions 12.3 coalition develops and drives a number of initiatives which are targeted at tackling specific issues and problems with the food systems, thereby reducing food loss and waste.

Read the Keep it Cool: Harnessing Cold Storage to Reduce Food Loss & Support Sustainable Food Systems in Emerging Economies report here.

About Efficiency for Access

Efficiency for Access is a global coalition working to promote renewable and energy efficient appliances to deliver clean energy to the world’s poorest people. It is coordinated jointly by CLASP and the UK’s Energy Saving Trust.

Building upon the insights presented in Efficiency for Access’ 2021 Solar Appliance Technology Briefs, this Tech Trends series provides a window into the rapidly evolving appliances markets. This series synthesizes technical, impact and market research done by Efficiency for Access and partners into a digestible snapshot. It offers valuable insights into emerging trends and opportunities across various off-grid appropriate appliances that are most relevant to catalyzing energy access and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, along with a focus on identifying critical areas that require attention, complemented by specific recommendations.

The technologies covered in this series encompass:

• Electric cooking (e-cooking)
• Fans
• Refrigerators
• Solar mills
• Solar water pumps
• Walk-in cold rooms

We will be releasing the appliance market summaries successively over the next few months.

This comprehensive series aims to inform future strategies of industry stakeholders, providing a clear understanding of the market’s trajectory. It serves as a valuable, quick-read resource for a diverse audience, ranging from interested donors and newcomers to the appliance sector to seasoned industry players seeking a convenient reference for sharing with their respective networks.

Download the 2023 Tech Trends in Energy Access technology briefs.

About Efficiency for Access

Efficiency for Access is a global coalition working to promote renewable and energy efficient appliances to deliver clean energy to the world’s poorest people. It is coordinated jointly by CLASP and the UK’s Energy Saving Trust.

In the lead up to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 30 November – 12 December, CLASP is launching #NetZeroHeroes – a celebration of the people and appliance heroes that are critical in reaching global Net Zero targets and promoting resilience in an already warming world.

Appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, electric motors, and lighting collectively have a major climate impact. They are responsible for a staggering 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions globally, according to CLASP’s forthcoming report ‘Net Zero Heroes: Scaling Efficient Appliances for Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation & Resilience.’ CLASP’s research shows how rolling out affordable, energy efficient alternatives is key to mitigating and adapting to the climate crisis and achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Through a series of reports, videos and articles highlighting stories of leadership and expert perspectives from across the sector, #NetZeroHeroes will amplify the urgent and immediate need to deploy efficient appliances at speed and scale to protect people and the planet.

The campaign will culminate in CLASP’s groundbreaking publication, “Net Zero Heroes: Scaling efficient appliances for climate change mitigation, adaptation & resilience” – launching the week before COP28 and available on CLASP’s website.

This research will highlight the transformative potential of efficient appliances by:

• Quantifying appliances’ ability to achieve the emissions reductions needed to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement;
• Indicating where we should scale our efforts this decade for maximum impact;
• Analyzing gaps in access to appliances and recommending where scale-up would better enable communities to adapt in a warming world;
• Providing a roadmap of solutions that governments, investors and other stakeholders can implement today to get on track to net zero emissions and an inclusive energy transition.

Stay tuned and follow #NetZeroHeroes on social media. This page will serve as a homebase for all campaign materials and will be updated regularly.

If you are interested in getting involved with the campaign, reach out to Lexi Ross at aross@clasp.ngo.

On September 5 from 8 am to 9 am, CLASP planned a side event at the Africa Climate Summit entitled ‘The Opportunity of Appliance Access for a Climate-Resilient Africa’. This event aimed to showcase actionable solutions that African nations can implement today to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero emissions future.

Millions of people across Africa lack access to electricity and energy-efficient appliances. Often, the very same people are most at risk of exposure to climate hazards, which can result in displacement, serious health issues, and, in the worst cases, premature death. Appliances and equipment are cornerstones of life, essential for living productively and—increasingly—coping with global warming and its associated shocks. With numerous households in Africa already feeling the effects of climate change, the time to close the appliance access gaps is now, and doing this will have profound benefits for people and our planet.

Crucially, the discussions aimed to feature effective and affordable appliance solutions that foster resilient communities and drive progress toward national and global emissions reduction targets. The opportunity is here to build a more inclusive, sustainable world while positioning Africa as a global leader and advocate for universal access to efficient appliances and equipment.

Speakers at the event

Moderator – Christine Egan – CEO, CLASP

• Chianda Njogu – The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)
• David Mutisya – Directorate of Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy (Kenya)
• Martha Wakoli – CLASP
• Mikayla Czajkowski – SunCulture
• Rebecca Mincy – The Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund (ARAF)

Event details:

Tuesday 5 September | 2.30 to 3.30 pm | The Opportunity of Appliance Access for a Climate-Resilient Africa | Lenana Hall

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