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Insights from SADC Energy Week & the 6th International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC)
Insights from SADC Energy Week & the 6th International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC) 2380 1416 Jamie

Powering the Future: Insights from SADC Energy Week & the 6th International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC)

The much-anticipated 2024 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Sustainable Energy Week (SADC-SEW) was held in Gaborone, Botswana from the 24th – 28th February 2025. The theme of this year’s SADC-SEW was centred around “Accelerating Sustainable Energy Solutions for an Energy Secure SADC Region” aiming to catalyse the adoption of sustainable energy practices across the region. The conference focused on highlighting key opportunities in the renewable energy, energy efficiency sectors and programmes along the energy value chain and fostered collaboration and innovation in the energy sector. 

The five-day event brought together key stakeholders such as high-level international, regional and national officials, as well as representatives from public and private sectors to address the pressing energy challenges faced by the SADC region, as well as, to highlight successful energy initiatives within the region.  

In parallel to SADC-SEW, the Botswana government convened the sixth International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition (IOREC).The conference brought together officials, experts and practitioners from different regions of the world to discuss how off-grid renewables can aid the achievement of  Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) whilst supporting other sustainable development climate goals. The theme of this year’s conference was focused on “Translating commitments to actions: off-grid renewables for socioeconomic development and climate action”. During the conference, discussions were centred around enabling policies, financing schemes, innovative business models and technology applications for scaling up off-grid renewable energy.   

During the IOREC conference the Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access (GGE-EA) project co-hosted a side event with Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and Rocky Mountain Institute’s (RMI) African Mini-Grid Programme (AMP). The event, titled “Mini-Grids as Infrastructure: Barriers, Opportunities, and Lessons Learnt,” explored key challenges and opportunities in the sector. 

Photo: Speakers during the panel discussion

The side session featured a panel discussion with speakers from both the public and private sectors. The panellists shared their perspectives on current energy usage and access in rural areas, as well as the measures in place to expand energy availability. During the discussion, they emphasised the need to consider not only energy access itself but also its impact on infrastructure and the opportunities it can create for these communities. 

Mr. Gillian-Alexandre, CEO of ENGIE Energy Access, highlighted the need for strategic measures to support off-grid energy solutions. He emphasised the challenges of setting electricity tariffs in rural areas and the importance of raising awareness about clustering projects to attract greater investment. 

He explained that setting excessively high tariffs in rural areas could make electricity unaffordable, leading to underutilization. To address this, he suggested a balanced approach, such as establishing a fund that subsidizes rural electricity tariffs using revenue from urban areas. 

Additionally, Gillian-Alexandre stressed the need for project clustering to attract commercial investment and increase private-sector involvement. This approach not only reduces potential risks but also makes projects more appealing to a wider range of stakeholders. 

Photo: CLUB-ER & RMI’s AMP members during the side session

The second speaker, Mr. Ayodeji Ojo, Senior Associate for the African Energy Programme at RMI, highlighted the importance of well-defined, clear, and consistent policies for effective implementation. He also highlighted the critical need for strong public-private coordination to drive successful energy initiatives. 

The session concluded with closing remarks from Kelly Linus Chanda, CEO of the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) in Zambia. She stressed that to secure $9.5 million in private sector investment, the government must be more responsive to the needs of private investors. This responsiveness, she explained, is essential for achieving the goals associated with the funding. 

Photo: GGEEA Project team (AfCAP & CLUB-ER) &  RMI and AMP representatives

Key takeaways from the discussions magnified the importance of balancing affordability and investment to expand energy access in rural areas, as well as the necessity of clustering projects to attract private-sector engagement. Additionally, the dialogue reinforced the need for clear, consistent policies to ensure the successful implementation of off-grid energy initiatives. 

The Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access project has been funded by UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform; however the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies. 
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Mobilising PUE technologies & finance to catalyse mini-grid development 
Mobilising PUE technologies & finance to catalyse mini-grid development  800 400 Jamie

WEBINAR:  Mobilising PUE technologies & finance to catalyse mini-grid development

To accelerate the Productive Use of Energy (PUE) in mini-grid development across Africa, it is essential to deploy scalable technologies and innovative financing mechanisms tailored to local contexts. PUE not only stimulates economic growth in rural communities but also strengthens the bankability of mini-grid projects. Yet, developers and utilities often neglect the energy needs of end-users in their financial planning. 

Integrating advanced, productivity-enhancing technologies, particularly in vital sectors like agriculture, is key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of mini-grids. At the same time, mobilising finance for PUE must become a central priority. Innovative financial models are needed to embed PUE into mini-grid business strategies and make transformative technologies accessible to end-users. 

Achieving this vision demands strong collaboration between public and private stakeholders, alongside active support from development funders.

In this spirit, the African Climate Action Partnership (AfCAP), the Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access Project (GGE-EA), and the African Association for Rural Electrification (CLUB-ER) recently concluded their webinar series, “Techno-economic and Business Model Foundations for Productive Use of Energy and Mini-grids in Africa”.  

The final webinar, “Mobilising PUE Technologies and Finance to Drive Mini-grid Expansion”, emphasised the pivotal role of financing in scaling energy solutions. It highlighted successful examples of technology and finance mobilisation, offering replicable models for deployment across Africa. 

For those who wish to visit the live presentations, you can access the recording here: Mobilising PUE technologies and finance to catalyse mini-grid development 

Webinar Presentations

For those who wish to revisit the previous webinars please find the recordings below:  

  1. Webinar 1: Analysing the potential to unlock Energy-Agriculture synergies  
  1. Webinar 2: Building a business case for productive use of energy in mini grid development and operations 

The Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access project has been funded by UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.  
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Call for Expressions of Interest: Rice Community of Practice – Core group of experts
Call for Expressions of Interest: Rice Community of Practice – Core group of experts 2560 1707 aflp

Call for Expressions of Interest: Rice Community of Practice – Core group of experts

Rice production is a key component of Africa’s agriculture sector and is a staple crop in many African countries, particularly in West Africa. As demand for rice is projected to increase, many African countries are aiming to increase their rice production. However, Paddy rice is a key source of GHG emissions, particularly methane emission. To support low emission and climate resilient paddy rice production in Africa, having a collaborative network for key players to interact and share learning is vital. Peer-to-peer learning can support greater understanding of the contribution of rice emissions in the continent and to support shared efforts in developing sustainable production practices. 

AfCAP aims to convene a platform for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration amongst key African players within the paddy rice sector. The CoP will complement the broader AfCAP goal of advancing low emission and climate smart development through the following objectives:

  1. Promoting knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer exchanges among key players, programmes and country institutions within paddy rice sector
  2. Cultivate and support African climate champions and best practice within the paddy rice sector
  3. Support capacity development for the design and implementation of low emission and climate resilient rice production in Africa

A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of people who share a common concern or interest in a topic and who come together to fulfil both group and individual goals. The CoP on rice in Africa, will revolve around different objectives such as:

  1. Creating network of key African countries engaged in paddy rice production
  2. Providing a platform and opportunities for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing through regional engagements, annual meetings and other knowledge sharing events
  3. Supporting the generation of new knowledge and data to support mitigation and other climate action within the paddy rice sector
  4. Sharing and providing policy and technical support through technical exchange visits and technical assistance

The core group of experts will work with the AfCAP Secretariat to contribute to the Rice Community of Practice through technical and research support, report writing and stakeholder engagement.

For more Information please view the Terms of Reference below

Terms of Reference
Submit Expression of Interest
  • Roy Bouwer
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The AfLP Takes on a New Name, and New Livery
The AfLP Takes on a New Name, and New Livery 1640 442 Roy Bouwer

The AfLP Takes on a New Name, and New Livery

The Africa LEDS Partnership (AfLP) is rebranding as the African Climate Action Partnership (AfCAP). 2023 marks 10 years of the Africa LEDS Partnership (AfLP). Ahead of this key milestone, the partnership has reflected on what has been achieved and how our priorities have evolved. Over the last decade, the AfLP membership grew to over 39 countries and 800 members across the African continent as well as a range of international institutions. The partnership now has three active Communities of Practice(CoP) focused on Mini-grids, Livestock and Soil Organic Carbon and will soon be launching a new CoP focused on low emission and climate resilient paddy rice. With our ever-growing membership and maintaining our member driven approach we have since refined our strategic focus.

AfCAP remains a key regional platform of the Global Climate Action Partnership (GCAP), formerly the Low Emission Development Strategies Global Partnership (LEDS GP). The key impetus for the rebrand of AfLP is to align better with the recently-rebranded  Global Climate Action Partnership (GCAP).

The partnership is cognisant during this period of the name and visual recognition long associated with AfLP. The AfLP will thus treat this as a transition period to ensure that there is a gradual evolution so that the partnership does not lose that recognition. Over the next couple of months, AfLP will be rolling out the new branding (AfCAP). We will continue to keep our members and partners apprised along the way.

This change will not alter how AfLP works, or our focus on Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS). Rather, this will allow the partnership expand its focus to climate resilient development as a whole. Over time AfLP’s work has been involved in has extended above and beyond just LEDS. This rebrand will allow the partnership to broaden the scope of climate action work that AfLP has thus far been involved in.

As the AfCAP, we will continue to be a platform for peer learning. AfCAP’s aim remains the same:  fostering African Climate Champions with the intention to accelerate climate action on the continent of Africa. AfCAP is excited to embark on this new journey and excited for the membership to be a part of this.

Not Already a member?

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Prioritizing the reduction of methane in livestock climate actions in East Africa
Prioritizing the reduction of methane in livestock climate actions in East Africa 1550 1030 KM

Prioritizing the reduction of methane in livestock climate actions in East Africa

This policy brief identifies actions countries in the East Africa region can take to reduce methane emissions from the livestock sector by including livestock-specific interventions in their nationally determined contributions as part of the Paris Agreement’s commitment. The publication identifies four challenges and recommendations based on the following three pillars: transparency, coherence, and implementation capacity. The recommendations included in this brief are based on the regional dialogues with East African countries and address both ministries and livestock stakeholders with the aim of helping them set ambitious national methane reduction targets in the livestock sector.

Ambitious actions taken to mitigate methane emissions in all sectors of the economy can deliver climate benefits within a few decades (UNEP and CCAC, 2021).

Download the Policy Brief here

Photo of an energy storage system
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Opportunities Abound for the Government of Malawi to Attract Investment in RE+Storage Projects
Opportunities Abound for the Government of Malawi to Attract Investment in RE+Storage Projects 1024 512 KM

This blog post was written by Dr David Jacobs and Toby Couture, who supported the LEDS GP with this technical assistance.

View the full report here.

The market for grid-scale battery storage technologies is booming worldwide with the growing awareness of the many benefits and services that batteries can provide.

Many government and utility officials around the world continue to think of battery storage simply as a form of storage that can be “filled up” and “drawn down” as needed in order to adjust to changing patterns of power demand. However, as experience with battery storage systems grows in markets ranging from California and South Australia to India and China, a more multi-faceted view of the role of grid-scale battery storage is emerging.

Battery storage systems can help make the outputs of solar and wind powerplants more predictable and reliable, whilst also providing a wide range of services to the grid, including frequency response, voltage control, and primary and secondary reserve (see figure below).

Figure: Overview of the functions of battery storage (Source: Adapted from IRENA 2020. “Electricity Storage Valuation Framework: Assessing system value and ensuring project viability”, International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi.)

Moreover, battery storage can help reduce curtailment, providing benefits both to renewable energy (RE) producers, as well as to utilities (IRENA, 2019).

A flurry of recent auction results of solar+storage systems shows that the economics of combining renewable energy projects with storage (RE+storage) are now attractive in a growing number of countries around the world.

Recent auction results for RE+storage projects show unsubsidized prices for solar+storage in particular between USD 4-8 cents/kWh, as seen in India’s recent auction for “round the clock” power supply (see Table below) (Gupta, 2021).

Jurisdiction (Year of entry-into-service)Project DetailsPrice ($/kWh)Contract length
India “Round-the-clock” auction (2021-22)400MW firm capacity, including solar, wind, and storageUSD $0.04/kWh25 years
Australia (2017; expanded in 2020)Hornsdale Power Reserve: 315MW of wind power with 130MW/129MWh of battery storageUSD $0.055 – 0.066/kWh10 years
Florida (late 2021)Manatee Energy Storage Center: 409MW of solar PV + 900MWh of battery storageN/A (utility-owned)N/A (utility-owned)
Chile (2021 – 2023)Engie Chile:1500MW of renewables with storage in time-differentiated blocks with solar+storage:USD $0.024/kWh40-year concession agreement
Portugal (2021-2022)483MW of solar PV + storageUSD $0.04/kWh15 years
Israel (2022)168MW of solar PV + storageUSD $0.058/kWh23 years

As the economics continue to improve, some jurisdictions with high and growing shares of variable RE, such as Hawaii, have even announced that all future procurements of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy will be combined with storage (Colthorpe, 2021). While this may not be feasible or necessary for jurisdictions like Malawi, it underscores the scale of the transformation that has taken place in the costs of RE+storage in recent years.

A recent analysis, prepared for the Government of Malawi as part of the support provided by the LEDS GP, provides an overview of the main uses for which the Government of Malawi can procure battery storage systems. The analysis focuses on five main functions, or use cases:

  1. Replacing firm, fossil fuel-based generation capacity
  2. Delivering power during peak hours
  3. Reducing the curtailment of variable renewable energy (VRE) resources
  4. Providing ancillary services
  5. Deferring transmission and/or distribution grid investments

This analysis also highlights some of the key lessons in auction design from which countries like Malawi can draw in order to design and implement their own RE+storage auctions.

While auctions designed for battery storage share several features with regular RE auctions, there are certain aspects that need to be taken into consideration, including establishing clarity over what exactly is being auctioned, what level of availability the RE+storage installations need to provide, and whether any locational or other restrictions apply.

This brief report is intended to help governments like Malawi procure RE+storage projects in the coming years to help meet their overall energy access and climate-related objectives. This way, even relatively small countries with limited grid interconnections with their neighbouring countries can move towards high shares of renewables, thus paving the way for faster and more secure decarbonization of the electricity system in the coming decades.

RESOURCES
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WEBINAR: Assessing Agricultural Productive Uses of Energy for African Minigrids: Clean and Advanced Technologies for Sustainable Landscapes Regional Learning
WEBINAR: Assessing Agricultural Productive Uses of Energy for African Minigrids: Clean and Advanced Technologies for Sustainable Landscapes Regional Learning 2762 1324 KM

On 14 December, the AMG-CoP in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL) hosted a webinar on Assessing Agricultural Productive Uses of Energy for African Minigrids. This was first in a series of regional learning events focused on analysis of opportunities for agricultural productive uses of energy in mini-grids. The objective of this first session was to introduce the overall context and background of the project, outline the overall approach and methodology, and share some of the initial analysis methodologies that have been developed, including geospatial analysis approaches and estimation of monthly and annual electric load profiles for key agricultural applications.

Project Background and Objectives

Use of advanced energy technologies for agricultural production has multiple benefits including: 1) Intensifying production and reducing land-use pressure on related deforestation and biodiversity loss; 2) Strengthening agricultural income and employment in rural areas and allowing for more production near the home, which has particular value to women; 3) Enabling production of high nutrition and high value crops which tend to require more processing and irrigation supported by distributed renewable power; 4) Improving access to reliable energy sources to support irrigation and other productive uses such as cold storage or transportation of food; 5) Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) and other air pollutant emissions and their resulting impacts on the community and environment; and 6) Beneficial use of food waste products for energy generation. 

Within this context, the U.S. Department of State is supporting the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to implement the Clean and Advanced Technologies for Sustainable Landscapes (CTSL) Program in Africa and Southeast Asia. This program seeks to:

  • Increase access to advanced, clean, reliable, and affordable energy sources to improve agricultural productivity, food and water security, and enable resilience
  • Accelerate progress toward development and economic growth and stability goals
  • Increase in-country technical and analytical capacity to support transition to self-reliance

For the last six months this program has been providing technical assistance to three countries in Africa—Zambia, Kenya and Mozambique—to develop methodologies and approaches to assess opportunities for agricultural productive uses of energy to help improve viability of clean energy minigrids. The CTSL is now excited to partner with the Africa LEDS Partnership to odder regional peer learning on this project and the methodologies being developed to a broader network of interested country stakeholders. 

View presentations here. You can also watch a recording of the webinar via this link.
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Clean Cooking Solutions: Access, Approaches and Barriers
Clean Cooking Solutions: Access, Approaches and Barriers 700 467 KM

The event, organised by the Africa LEDS Partnership, the GIZ Support Project for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement, and the EnDev/GCF project, brought together experts, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss emerging trends in clean cooking solutions and technologies. The presentation aimed to help participants gain a general insight into clean cooking and three different technologies: bioethanol, e-cooking and biomass-based cooking. The presenters also discussed the key barriers impeding the market and the uptake of clean cooking technologies.

The links to the discussions on the Padlet boards are available here: bioethanol, e-cooking and biomass-based cooking.

Moderator

Josh Ogada, SouthSouthNorth (Africa LEDS Partership)

Speakers

  • Verena Brinkmann, Clean Cooking Specialist, GIZ Energising Development (EnDev)
  • Sophie Odupoy, Head of Public Affairs, KOKO Networks
  • Sarah Thomas-Parensen, M&E Advisor, EnDev/GCF
  • David Jacobs, LEDS GP Expert and IET – International Energy Transition GmbH

Featured Image: MD Duran, Unsplash.com

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