MicroEnergy International’s Post

💡 DID YOU KNOW THAT…💡   🌍Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) accounts for 85% of the population living in energy poverty, the same 660 million people who lack access to electricity are also the most vulnerable to climate change, where one-third of the world's droughts occur. 🔌⚡The fact that millions of people lack access to electricity creates instability in the food supply chain and makes it difficult to access clean drinking water which together have a direct impact on the educational, economic and health prospects in the region.💧 🍽️For example, more 1.8 billion people lack access to clean cooking technologies and fuels as a sign of their energy poverty. 🚰Finally, women and young girls spend about 40B hours per year transporting water, a figure which corresponds to a full year of labour by a European nation’s entire workforce.   🤝⚡United by the common goal to find a solution which would create and maintain affordable and sustainable access to clean energy that leaves no one behind and meets the energy, water and food productivity needs of all users in communities in the SSA, European and African research institutions and private sector have joined forces in this project to pilot SWARM-E - a circular and bottom-up renewable energy infrastructure that links SWARM grids (dynamic, smart, and flexible interconnected solar home systems that allow for renewable energy trading and income generation) with other renewable energy generation and storage assets (solar mini-grids, solar containers, water purification).⚡   🤩Follow us to keep updated about the progress of this game-changing ambitious project! MicroEnergy International | ME SOLshare Ltd. | Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy | Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek NV | inèdit | Europroject - Tinexta Group | BwB | RES4Africa Foundation | OffGridBox | Inkomoko Rwanda | University of Rwanda | EKOglobe | ELICO Foundation | TAREA TZ | WE!Hub Victoria Limited | i2m Unternehmensentwicklung GmbH

Youth unemployment is at a record high in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where rapidly growing populations are driving the need for meaningful employment. Decentralized renewable energy (DRE) technologies offer a promising solution by creating sustainable growth and green jobs, particularly in agriculture, which employs 50% to 85% of the labor force in these regions. However, adoption is hindered by high upfront costs, limited product availability, and a shortage of local talent. Power for All in partnership with Efficiency for Access, research results analysing job creation through DRE in agriculture across four countries (India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda), providing the first comprehensive estimate of employment trends at the country level. https://lnkd.in/dQnHrx_W

Energy poverty refers to the phenomenon where individuals or communities lack access to affordable and reliable energy services and products, such as electricity and clean cooking facilities, which are essential for basic human needs and socioeconomic development. At present, approximately 789 Million people lack access to electricity, globally. More than 2.8 Billion people rely on traditional biomass for cooking and heating. It’s this status quo that has necessitated accelerated and concerted efforts under Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030. In Uganda, energy poverty is a significant barrier, especially in rural areas where access to modern energy products and services is limited. A handsome portion of the population relies on traditional biomass for cooking and heating, and this has had significant adverse health, economic and environmental effects. Despite Uganda’s gargantuan clean energy potential, less than 5% of the populace has access to clean cooking solutions. Indeed, it’s high time we integrated clean energy access indicators in our national planning processes and frameworks. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) International Energy Agency (IEA) European Union Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP) Africa Centre for Energy Policy UNDP UNDP Rome Centre

Africa, despite being home to 17.2% of the global population, consumes only a minimal 3.1% of the world’s electricity, making it the lowest electricity consumer among all regions on the planet as of 2019. This lack of access is compounded by low electricity consumption rates, often falling below the global average, due to frequent power outages. Even in countries like Nigeria and South Africa, which are considered industrial powerhouses on the continent, the electricity grids are insufficient to meet the growing demand. For example, Nigeria, with a population of 206 million, has a power generation capacity of only 12 gigawatts, far below its needs. The continent faces significant disparities in access to electricity, with a stark contrast between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. By 2019, North Africa had achieved nearly universal access to electricity, while the electrification rate in sub-Saharan Africa stood at a mere 48%. Consequently, more than three-quarters of the global population without access to electricity resides in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the region’s considerable electricity access challenges. These challenges encompass issues related to access, affordability, and the reliability of electricity supply, all of which remain significantly lower in performance compared to other regions worldwide. Energy poverty in Africa is a complex matter that is present in rural-urban disparities, where rural areas bear a more pronounced burden due to limited access to modern energy services. Rural communities often rely on traditional biomass for cooking and heating, perpetuating a cycle of energy inequity. The consequences of this disparity are not confined to energy alone; they extend to health as well. The use of traditional biomass fuel, such as wood and charcoal, without adequate ventilation leads to indoor air pollution, particularly affecting women and children who spend significant time indoors (Source: PWC’s Africa Energy Review 2023) Follow WhyAfrica on our 2024 Road Trip through Africa and discover with us how the limited access to electricity affects people on the ground. This year, we will drive close to 10,000km through five African countries, visit 30 project sites in a range of sectors, and interview different stakeholders, local community members, workers and decision makers in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Tanzania. Remember, if you sign up to become a WhyAfrica member, one of the many benefits is that you will be able to follow us on our WhatApp channel where you can tune in for daily updates, video clips and photos.   #whyafrica #africa #whyafricaroadtrips #energy #whypowerafrica #africanenergy #electricity #biomass           

What I've learnt today at the first Masterclass session of the SDGs Advocate Programme. Subject: Clean and Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future Introduction: The session on clean and renewable energy focused on the importance of transitioning to clean energy sources for a sustainable future. The session covered the evolution and concepts of sustainable development, the challenges and opportunities of going green, and the tools and strategies needed to achieve this goal. Discussion: During the session, several key points were discussed. First, the importance of understanding the source of our energy and the impact it has on the environment was emphasized. It was also noted that clean energy is important not only for the environment, but also for human health and economic development. The challenges of implementing clean energy solutions were also discussed, such as the high cost of infrastructure, the need for education and training, and the political and regulatory challenges. However, it was also noted that there are many opportunities to create jobs, drive innovation, and improve energy security through clean energy solutions. Finally, the importance of collaboration and partnerships was highlighted as essential for making progress. Conclusions: Overall, the session made it clear that clean and renewable energy is critical for a sustainable future. It is not only about reducing emissions and fighting climate change, but also about creating a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous world. The session emphasized the need for a holistic approach that considers the economic, social, and environmental impacts of energy choices. The challenges are significant, but there are also many opportunities to create a better future for all. It will require commitment, collaboration, and innovation, but the potential benefits are worth it. #sdgs #sdgs2030 UN SDSN Youth - Nigeria

🌍 Unlocking the Power of Productive Use of Energy in Uganda 🌍 🌟 Energy is more than just a commodity; it's a catalyst for change. A recent U-Learn Uganda and Save the Children International review highlights the potential of Productive Use of Energy (PUE) in driving economic development and improving livelihoods in Uganda. The report finds that #PUE can boost #Uganda’s agricultural sector, with solar irrigation and cooling potentially increasing farmers' incomes by up to 30%. 🔌 What is Productive Use of Energy? PUE uses energy to enhance productivity and income by creating #newopportunities and improving living conditions. This includes electrical systems like grid, mini-grid, and even off-grid systems such as Solar Home Systems (SHS). Applications in Uganda include:   💡 Lighting: Extends business hours and improves security.   ❄ Cooling: Preserves perishable goods and adds value.   🔥 Heating: Used in cooking and industrial processes.   🌾 Drying: Improves product quality and reduces spoilage. 🚀 Challenges and Recommendations: To harness the power of PUE, it is essential to:   🌍 Raise awareness of PUE benefits among small businesses and households.   🌱 Improve the availability of high-quality PUE products.   📈 Develop integrated market development approaches.   🛠 Support businesses in adopting PUE technologies. 🌟 By addressing these challenges and implementing strategic recommendations, the full potential of energy can be unlocked to drive sustainable development and resilience. Check out the full report below: ✨ Thanks to everyone who's played a part in the making of this report: USAID, UK Aid Direct, Uthabiti Africa, Uganda Response Innovation Lab, Swisscontact, Grameen Foundation, FCDO Services, Ulearn, IRC, IMPACT Initiatives, WorkGreen, CRRF secretariat & GIZ Uganda #EnergyForAll #SustainableDevelopment #ProductiveUseOfEnergy #Uganda #ClimateAction Uthabiti ULEARN uLearn Impact Initiatives

Meet NORCAP energy expert, Dao Seydou who has been on assignment with UNDP country office in Burkina Faso since February 2023. Here he has been providing strategic advice and support to the energy and climate change team. Some of Seydou´s work involves the development of a strategy and action plan for clean cooking as well development of project proposals for climate funds including advocacy efforts in the private sector for financing of climate projects. He says: “𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺, 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘷𝘶𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴.” Seydou tells us about the construction of a cold room and ice-making unit in the Kaya region, powered by a solar installation and operated by local women (many of whom are internally displaced). Seydou says “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 24/7 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥.” According to Seydou, the challenging security situation in Burkina Faso limits access to certain areas for project implementation. Not only are youth more vulnerable to radicalisation and violent extremism, but multiple crises and slow-down of economic growth is taking a toll on the socio-economic opportunities, particularly for youth and women. However, Seydou’s project helps reduce some of these negative impacts. “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺’𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘴 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴. 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘳𝘰-𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺.”

🌍 Africa’s Green Tech Revolution is Here! Africa is leading the charge in sustainable innovation, from solar and wind energy projects to eco-friendly urban development and circular economy initiatives. 🌱 Highlights: 🔋 Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, and hydropower projects transforming the energy landscape. 🌽 Sustainable Agriculture:Precision farming and agroforestry boosting food security. 💧 Clean Water: Solar-powered water purification bringing clean water to communities. ♻️ Waste Management: Recycling and e-waste projects creating green jobs. Read more about Africa's green future ➡️ [https://lnkd.in/d2G3ZsEC For more tech and startup updates, follow Tech in Africa

We're thrilled to share that Lanforce Energy has played a pivotal role in bringing #Clean, #SustainableEnergy to the #Kachechete community in #MatabelelandNorth province. In partnership with Wild Horizons Victoria Falls, ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA FALLS, and the local #community, we've successfully commissioned 24 biogas digesters, providing a much-needed boost to #renewable energy adoption in #Zimbabwe. These biogas digesters are #transforming lives and contributing significantly to #environmental protection. By capturing methane gas from organic waste, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate the pressure on local forests. Key benefits of this project include: #Improvedlivelihoods: Reduced reliance on firewood and other traditional fuels means more time for education, reduced exposure to harmful smoke, and increased income from selling surplus biogas. #EnhancedEnergySecurity: Biogas provides a reliable and affordable energy source, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. #EnvironmentalSustainability: By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting forests, we're contributing to a healthier planet. #SocialInclusion: the project has also benefited marginalized groups like women, youth, the elderly, and the disabled. We're proud to be at the forefront of #SustainableEnergySolutions in #Zimbabwe and look forward to continuing our work to empower communities and protect our environment. #RenewableEnergy #Biogas #Sustainability #Zimbabwe #LanforceEnergy #CommunityDevelopment EEP Africa Modern Cooking Facility for Africa Sistema.bio / Sistema Biobolsa Climate Change AI Victor Tarirai Judith Marera Simbarashe Makonese Tapiwa Matavire Marshall Takundwa Albert Takunda Maronga Vimbai Madzanira Flicka Maseko Chido Musira Ultimate Nyangore Nickson Songola ACGI(Z), Mcom App Acc

Reflecting on recent rejections and the accompanying feelings of disappointment and unfulfillment, I received a transformative email on February 29th—congratulating me on my acceptance into the SDGs Advocate Program Cohort 5. This experience shifted my perspective on rejection; perhaps, as they say, there is no success story without failures. Now, in week two of the masterclass session, I find myself deeply engaged in exploring the evolution of sustainable development. This journey has sparked profound questions about the intersections of social inequalities, such as class, income, and education, and their impact on waste management practices and sustainability. Currently, I am delving into research on examining social inequality in waste management practices in Abuja and Mararaba. Joining this cohort couldn't have come at a better time. Throughout the masterclass, I've had the privilege of learning about renewable energy, clean energy, and the concept of a green economy. Special commendation goes to our speaker, Fisayo Adeyemi for his insightful exploration of these topics. Renewable energy, sourced from replenishable sources, and clean energy, with its profound effects on climate, environment, and public health, were explored in-depth. The practical example contrasting Vancouver, Canada, and Nigeria (specifically Lagos) highlighted the disparities in adopting a green economy. It's evident that Nigeria has room to grow in embracing clean energy and a green economy. Yet, understanding the catalytic role of clean energy in unlocking various industries reinforces the importance of initiatives focused on renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change. The journey towards a better world is ongoing, and I am eager to play my part in achieving our shared objectives. UN SDSN Youth - Nigeria #sdg5