The Powering Renewable Energy Opportunities (PREO) programme has embarked on a mission to drive clean energy adoption in sub-Saharan Africa by investing over £2 million in its fourth round of catalytic grant funding. This initiative is designed to support innovative business models that promote sustainable and inclusive energy solutions, ultimately contributing to climate resilience, economic development, and livelihood improvements across the region.
With 14 companies selected from a highly competitive pool of over 240 submissions spanning 29 countries, PREO is showcasing its commitment to accelerating renewable energy solutions in sub-Saharan Africa. Each selected company will receive between £86,000 and £237,000, along with technical support, over a period of one to two years. These companies represent diverse sectors, from agriculture and healthcare to e-mobility and education, highlighting the vast potential for clean energy to transform key industries.
A Broader Vision: Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE)
At the heart of PREO’s mission is the promotion of the Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE), which emphasizes the integration of renewable energy into productive activities such as agri-processing, cooling, irrigation, and more. By doing so, PREO aims to showcase the viability of these technologies in sectors that directly impact livelihoods and economic growth, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Since its inception, PREO has awarded over £5.94 million to 34 companies across 11 sub-Saharan African countries, resulting in the creation of 467 jobs. The programme is backed by the IKEA Foundation and UK aid through the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform and is delivered in partnership with the Carbon Trust and Mercy Corps’ Energy 4 Impact.
Richa Goyal, Programme Manager at the IKEA Foundation, underscores the importance of PREO’s work, stating, “With this latest round, PREO reaffirms its role as the only dedicated platform for testing business models that focus on the productive use of renewable energy. The selected innovations have the potential to transform sectors by delivering first-time clean energy access to businesses and institutions.”
Highlighted Initiatives: Driving Energy Transition Through Innovation
The fourth round of PREO funding supports a wide range of innovative companies across sub-Saharan Africa, each with a unique approach to leveraging renewable energy for productive use. These companies exemplify the transformative power of clean energy technologies in various sectors. Here are some of the standout initiatives funded in this round:
- Simusolar (Uganda) – This company supplies solar-powered agricultural equipment, focusing on enhancing productivity for smallholder farmers through solar irrigation solutions. By addressing the critical need for efficient water management in agriculture, Simusolar is helping to boost food production and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
- AG Energies (Tanzania) – AG Energies is tackling the challenge of transportation emissions by offering a battery-swapping service for electric tuk-tuks and motorcycles. This innovative solution not only promotes e-mobility but also helps reduce air pollution and reliance on fossil fuels in urban and peri-urban areas.
- Jokosun (Senegal) – Jokosun is working to improve the livelihoods of local fishers by providing hubs for charging and distributing batteries for electric boats. This initiative is designed to reduce the environmental impact of traditional fishing methods while increasing the efficiency and sustainability of the fishing industry.
- SLS Energy (Nigeria) – Implementing an “Irrigation-as-a-Service” model, SLS Energy provides smallholder farmers with rechargeable battery packs and electric pumps. This solution addresses the energy-intensive nature of irrigation, helping farmers access reliable water sources while reducing their dependence on costly and polluting diesel-powered pumps.
- Farm Warehouse (Kenya) – Farm Warehouse is piloting an e-commerce platform that connects smallholder farmers to markets for processed products. The company also distributes productive use equipment and provides warehousing services for agricultural produce, helping farmers increase their income and reduce post-harvest losses.
- Chaji (Kenya) – Chaji is installing fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers in commercial centers and developing financing options for electric three-wheelers in Nairobi and Mombasa. By supporting the transition to electric transportation, Chaji is playing a crucial role in reducing urban air pollution and enhancing sustainable mobility in Kenya.
- Hinckley E-Waste (Nigeria) – This company is developing second-life batteries from discarded lithium cells to power telecom towers, thereby reducing reliance on diesel generators. Hinckley E-Waste’s innovative approach to recycling and repurposing electronic waste contributes to both environmental sustainability and energy security.
- ICE Solar (Nigeria) – ICE Solar is providing rooftop solar solutions to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through a subscription-based model. The company also focuses on training local youth in solar installation and maintenance, creating employment opportunities while expanding access to clean energy.
- Drop Access (Kenya) – Drop Access has introduced VacciBox, a solar-powered cooling solution for health facilities. This innovation is designed to increase vaccination rates and reduce vaccine waste, particularly in rural areas where access to reliable refrigeration is limited.
- Acele Africa (Nigeria) – Acele Africa is repurposing 125,000 discarded lithium cells into second-life batteries for solar applications. This initiative not only helps address the growing issue of electronic waste but also provides affordable energy storage solutions for off-grid communities.
- Strathmore University (Kenya) – Strathmore University, in partnership with its spin-out company Evonet, is validating Sunsafe, a mobile app that addresses inaccurate solar system sizing in rural areas. By ensuring that solar installations are correctly sized for the energy needs of communities, Sunsafe aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of renewable energy systems.
- Mazi Mobility (Kenya) – Mazi Mobility is conducting a study on the viability of battery-swapping stations as a business model for e-mobility in Africa. This initiative could pave the way for widespread adoption of electric vehicles, particularly in urban centers where transportation is a major contributor to air pollution.
- Ecobora (Kenya) – Ecobora is implementing a Cooking-as-a-Service model, installing solar-powered cooking boilers in schools to replace firewood. This initiative addresses both environmental and health concerns by reducing deforestation and indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods.
- Inter Ethiopia Solutions (Ethiopia) – This company is enhancing access to renewable energy while refurbishing discarded electronic equipment. By providing affordable and sustainable energy solutions, Inter Ethiopia Solutions is contributing to the country’s energy transition while also addressing the issue of electronic waste.
Catalyzing Change: Scaling Impactful Clean Energy Solutions
The overwhelming response to PREO’s open call for applications—240 submissions from 29 countries—underscores the significant demand for funding to support and scale innovative business models aimed at accelerating the adoption of renewable energy solutions in sub-Saharan Africa. The total funding requested was 17 times greater than the amount available, highlighting the pressing need for continued investment in this space.
PREO’s investment in these 14 companies reflects its broader mission to foster climate resilience, economic development, and job creation across the region. By supporting innovative business models that leverage renewable energy technologies, PREO is not only helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also improving livelihoods and enhancing economic opportunities for communities across sub-Saharan Africa.
Rhiannon Turner, PREO Programme Lead at the Carbon Trust, emphasizes the importance of these efforts: “We are excited to announce the latest line-up of companies supported in this phase of PREO. As demonstrated by the range of sectors and technologies represented, there is immense potential to prove the viability of business models that drive income creation and improve livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa.”
Conclusion: A Path Toward a Sustainable Future
PREO’s £2 million investment in clean energy innovation marks a significant step toward a sustainable and inclusive energy transition in sub-Saharan Africa. By supporting diverse companies that are leveraging renewable energy for productive use, PREO is helping to create a future where clean energy drives economic growth, improves livelihoods, and fosters resilience in the face of climate change. As the programme continues to scale its impact, the innovative business models it supports will play a crucial role in shaping the region’s energy landscape for years to come.
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