Our solutions
We drive innovation with targeted investments—mobilising capital and expertise to transform ideas into scalable, impactful energy solutions across Africa.
Our technologies
Solar PV
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology harnesses energy directly from sunlight using solar cells to convert it into electricity. Thanks to its versatility and cost-effectiveness, it is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources globally. Solar PV systems vary in scale, from small rooftop installations to large utility-scale plants generating hundreds of megawatts of power. Over the last decade, the cost of solar panels has dropped significantly, making it an affordable and often the cheapest form of electricity.
Hydropower
Hydropower is energy derived from flowing water, making it one of the most cost-effective methods of generating electricity. In countries like Norway, 99% of electricity is generated from hydropower. The largest hydropower plant in Africa, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, has a planned capacity of 6.45 gigawatts and is expected to produce over 15,000 gigawatt-hours annually, significantly boosting energy access across the region.
Wind
Wind energy converts the kinetic energy of moving air into electricity using wind turbines. As the wind turns the turbine blades, it drives a generator to produce power. Wind energy has grown rapidly, with global capacity reaching 733 gigawatts by 2018, driven by technological improvements and lower costs. Onshore wind capacity reached 699 gigawatts by 2020, while offshore wind grew to 34.4 gigawatts. The cost of wind power has fallen significantly, with onshore wind costs dropping by 56% from 2010 to 2020. Modern turbines range from 3 to 4 megawatts onshore and 8 to 12 megawatts offshore, offering substantial potential for future growth.
Ocean
Ocean and tidal energy technologies harness the natural power of tides, waves, and ocean currents to generate electricity. Wave energy converters capture the energy in ocean waves using various methods, such as oscillating water columns, which trap air pockets to drive turbines, or overtopping converters, which use height differences to generate power. Tidal energy is produced through tidal-range technologies, which use barrages to capture power from the difference between high and low tides or by tidal-stream systems that generate electricity from the movement of water currents.
Geothermal
Geothermal energy harnesses heat beneath the Earth’s surface to generate electricity or provide heating and cooling. It is especially effective in regions with tectonic activity, where hot water or steam is close to the surface. Geothermal power plants use steam or hot water to drive turbines, offering a reliable and low-cost source of electricity. Geothermal provides consistent, year-round energy with high capacity factors, making it a valuable complement to intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. Technological advances allow the use of medium-temperature fields, expanding geothermal’s potential for electricity generation.
Bioenergy
Bioenergy is derived from organic materials and falls into two main categories: traditional and modern. Traditional bioenergy refers to burning biomass like wood, animal waste, and charcoal for energy. Modern bioenergy technologies include liquid biofuels, biogas from anaerobic digestion, and wood pellet heating systems. Bioenergy represents about three-quarters of the world’s renewable energy use, with traditional biomass making up more than half of that. In 2015, bioenergy accounted for 10% of total final energy consumption and 1.9% of global power generation.
Battery energy storage system (BESS)
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) stores energy for later use, helping to stabilise energy grids and support the integration of variable renewable sources like solar and wind. BESS addresses the challenge of renewable energy variability by ensuring a reliable power supply even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. These systems play a crucial role in enabling the transition to clean energy by balancing supply and demand, improving grid stability, and maximising the efficiency of renewable energy sources.
Decentralised renewable energy (DRE)
Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE) refers to systems like mini-grids and off-grid solutions that provide clean, reliable, and affordable power to remote and underserved communities. DRE offers scalable and cost-effective energy solutions, enabling smallholder farms, businesses, and community infrastructure to access flexible power. These systems play a vital role in expanding energy access and meeting the growing demands of both rural and urban areas while supporting the global shift towards renewable energy.
Productive use of energy (PUE)
Productive Use of Energy (PUE) refers to utilising energy to power economic activities such as agriculture, industry, and small-scale manufacturing. PUE goes beyond providing basic access to electricity by enabling businesses and communities to leverage clean energy for productive purposes. This approach drives job creation, stimulates local economies, and enhances resilience in key sectors, making it vital in promoting sustainable development and economic growth.
Electric vehicles (EVs)
Electric vehicles (EVs) represent a cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. Powered by electricity stored in rechargeable batteries, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. As the cost of EVs declines and charging infrastructure expands, they are becoming increasingly popular for personal, commercial, and public transport. EVs are key in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, improving urban air quality, and contributing to a more sustainable, low-carbon transport sector.
Clean cooking
Clean cooking technologies aim to replace traditional cooking methods, such as open fires and inefficient stoves, which rely on biomass like wood and charcoal. These traditional methods contribute to indoor air pollution and deforestation, negatively impacting health. Clean cooking solutions, such as improved biomass stoves, LPG, solar cookers, and biogas systems, provide healthier and more sustainable options. They reduce harmful emissions, improve air quality, and contribute to achieving broader energy access goals while supporting sustainable development.
Floating solar
Floating solar, an innovative solution, involves the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on bodies of water such as lakes, reservoirs, or oceans. This technology maximises the use of available water surfaces while reducing land-use conflicts. The added benefit of the cooling effect of water on the panels' efficiency further enhances the appeal of floating solar. These systems offer a dual advantage: they generate clean electricity while reducing water evaporation. The innovative nature of floating solar is increasingly inspiring as a solution to expanding solar capacity in regions with scarce land.
Green hydrogen
Green hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis using renewable electricity, making it a carbon-free fuel source. Unlike conventional hydrogen production methods that rely on natural gas, green hydrogen provides a clean alternative for industries such as steel production, chemical manufacturing, and transportation. It can be stored and transported, offering a versatile energy carrier supporting hard-to-electrify sectors' decarbonisation. As global interest in hydrogen grows, green hydrogen is emerging as a critical component of the renewable energy transition.
Just Energy Transition (JET)
A Just Energy Transition (JET) emphasises the importance of transitioning to a low-carbon economy in a fair and inclusive way. JET ensures that the shift from fossil fuels keeps workers, communities, and vulnerable populations from behind. It focuses on creating new opportunities, retraining workers in affected sectors, and ensuring that clean energy's economic and social benefits are shared equitably. JET seeks to balance environmental goals with social justice and economic inclusion.
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