Village Energy’s Post

➡️ Access to safe, affordable, and #sustainableenergy is crucial for human development. Humanitarian initiatives often use solar off-grid solutions like lanterns, home systems, PV systems, and mini-grids to meet the energy needs of displaced populations. These solutions are cost-effective and eco-friendly but require regular maintenance, especially the larger systems. Without proper upkeep, and given the harsh conditions in displacement settings, these off-grid solutions can fail sooner than expected. This webinar aims to provide an understanding of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) practices and strategies in displacement settings, with a focus on #EastAfrica. You'll gain insights into: - Challenges and opportunities in realizing O&M - The importance of O&M as a crucial aspect of energy provision - Practical experiences from the field - Strategies to integrate O&M into planning more effectively Experts from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Renewvia Energy GIZ Kenya and GIZ Uganda will share their insights from East Africa. Register now! 🔗https://lnkd.in/dr5QhePb #HumanitarianEnergy

Energy for Refugees: about 70.000 people reached    We need the whole package to drive the humanitarian energy agenda forward: collective action, political commitments, partnerships, and resource mobilisation.   At EnDev, leaving no one behind has been a core principle since the beginning of the programme: Refugees, internally displaced people (#IDP), and their host communities are some of the furthest left behind in terms of energy access. However, access to energy is essential to provide the most vulnerable populations with electricity, sustainable cooking technologies, clean water, and economic opportunities. We are working with both the private sector and civil society to support the development of the local market for renewable energy services in several refugee camps and host communities.     That way, we have reached almost 70,000 refugees and IDPs within the last year alone!    But let’s start at the beginning.     EnDev supports 12 countries with significant populations displaced by conflict or natural disasters. In these remote host communities, people often rely on harmful energy sources for their daily needs, such as charcoal, wood, kerosene, and diesel generators. Humanitarian organisations tend to either overlook the topic of energy access or rely on low-quality freely distributed products which can disrupt the development of local markets.   Meanwhile, EnDev empowers local entrepreneurs and works towards creating sustainable markets. This enables displaced populations to access clean energy technologies for lighting, charging devices, cooking, and starting small businesses.     The Smart Communities Coalition Innovation Fund (SCCIF), for example, aims to bring a paradigm shift in humanitarian settings by introducing innovations that provide clean drinking water, electricity, and e-mobility in Kenya and Uganda. Find out more about the SCCIF and how it works: https://lnkd.in/eR9iqJYd   #LNOB #EnDev #SDG7 #HumanitarianEnergy #Refugees USAID # LNOB

Could this be the fastest and most inclusive way to connect rural, "last-mile" communities in Uganda with clean energy? 💡 Only 19% of rural Ugandans have access to electricity. ⚡We know from experience that it's grassroots, community-based organizations that are actually best placed to reach these communities. Find out more ➡ newenergynexus.com/uganda

 #CleanEnergyDay: Meet Chuente Fabrice Igor, a NORCAP Senior Energy and Environment Expert, on assignment with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Mauritania.   Igor works to ensure that refugees and host communities in the Mberra refugee settlement have access to energy. He is also responsible for implementing the environmental strategy of UNHCR.   “I have been involved in the installation of reliable solar systems - enhancing access to electricity for humanitarian workers and refugee communities. I am also actively engaged in implementing clean cooking solutions for households to protect women and children,” says Igor.   “I consider these projects successful as they aim at enabling people to become less dependent on humanitarian aid,” he says. “For example, young refugees have been trained in installation and operation techniques of solar systems.”   What have you learned from your experience so far? “The experience has strengthened my ability to work in complex environments and find tailored solutions to address the urgent energy needs of populations affected by humanitarian crises. It has also underscored the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and collaboration in humanitarian work related to energy.”   On International Clean Energy Day Igor says “It is another opportunity to mobilise all stakeholders in the energy sector and governments towards a genuine clean energy transition. Especially considering the populations most impacted by climate change. I'm convinced that the only effective way to accelerate the energy transition is to increase project financing and simplify the mechanisms for accessing funds dedicated to projects in the energy sector. I hope we can achieve these goals.”    #sustainabledevelopmentgoals #cleanenergy #cleanenergyday

#Tuesday reading recommendation📖: "Understanding the drivers of electricity access and willingness to pay for reliable electricity in African refugee settlements: Evidence from Zambia, Malawi, and Uganda". ⚡ Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 in humanitarian settings is essential. Today, 94% of refugees lack access to electricity, with 81% relying on basic fuels like firewood and charcoal. 🔍 This research focuses on refugee communities in #Zambia, #Malawi, and #Uganda, examining electricity access and willingness to pay. Over 1,400 in-person interviews provided primary data on the socioeconomic factors at play. 💡 The findings highlight the critical issues of inadequate electricity access and varying willingness to pay. Key drivers include income levels and awareness of electricity benefits, pointing to the need for targeted policies and interventions to improve affordability and economic opportunities for refugees. Paola Casati Elena Fumagalli, Magda Moner Duccio Baldi 🔗Read here: https://lnkd.in/d5dDJm_r #HumanitarianEnergy #Electricityaccess #Refugees #Humanitarianresponse 

Are you working on or interested in #energy for #refugees in #Uganda ? Then check out our resources looking at: - Energy Practices in Ugandan Settlements Amid #Environmental Challenges - Energy for Household Uses in #Refugee Settlements in Uganda - Productive Use of Energy in Uganda’s Refugee Response – Annotated bibliography - Productive Use of Energy in Uganda’s #RefugeeResponse - Energy products providers mapping #evidenceinpractice Pauline Lietar (She/Her) IMPACT Initiatives Kullein Ankunda

Could this be the fastest and most inclusive way to connect rural, "last-mile" communities in Uganda with clean energy? 💡 Only 19% of rural Ugandans have access to electricity. ⚡We know from experience that it's grassroots, community-based organizations that are actually best placed to reach these communities. Find out more ➡ newenergynexus.com/uganda

Understanding socioeconomic factors is key to addressing energy access in Africa. From urbanization to income levels, these factors determine who has access to reliable and affordable energy. Disparities between urban and rural areas in Sub-Saharan Africa highlight the need for targeted policies and investments to ensure equitable energy distribution and consumption. 🌍⚡ #EnergyAccess #SocioeconomicFactors #RenewableEnergy #SustainableDevelopment #Africa

🌍 Experiencing Different Worlds: From The Gambia to Rwanda 🌍 Today, I experienced a stark contrast in the quality of life and services between two places I care about. In The Gambia, we faced significant power outages, reminiscent of the challenges faced during the first 100 days of the coalition government. Despite these interruptions, I'm grateful the electricity returned before my solar batteries were completely drained. In contrast, my experiences in Kigali have been nothing short of remarkable. The city boasts constant electricity, immaculate green and clean roads, and a diligent workforce. The cost of living is relatively affordable, making Kigali a prime example of how an African city can blend the best of both worlds: the efficiency and comfort of the West without the exorbitant expenses. Living in the cleanest and safest city in Africa is a testament to the potential we have on this continent. It's inspiring to see how good governance and community efforts can transform a place, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Here's to hoping for positive changes and sustainable development across all our beloved nations. 🌱✨ #SustainableDevelopment #UrbanLiving #CleanEnergy #Governance #Kigali #TheGambia #Inspiration

We urgently need an Amendment of Land Rezoning Processes in #SouthAfrica. This could involve creating a fast-track system for housing developments, particularly in areas with high demand. Streamlining the land rezoning process could help reduce bureaucratic delays in land development. Addressing the #HousingCrisis in South Africa requires a multifaceted approach that involves collaboration across government departments and innovative policy solutions. We need an #Interdepartmentalcollaboration, so we can establish a #taskforce that includes representatives from #humansettlements and all other relevant #departments that are involved in delivering of approvals for #landrezoning. This group can ensure that policies are aligned and that resources are pooled effectively. #PublicPrivatePartnerships remains a vital component to leverage investment in housing projects. This can include #taxincentives for developers who commit to affordable housing. If necessary, we need to initiate #courtactions as #civilorganizations or #NGO’s to challenge outdated zoning laws or to advocate for land use that supports #affordablehousing initiatives. We must prioritize #infrastructureinvestment in essential infrastructure such as roads, water supply, sewer,electricity and #internet in areas designated for new housing. This will make these areas more attractive for development. It’s also important to explore various funding options, including international aid, grants, and #innovativefinancingmodels like social impact bonds that focus on housing outcomes. By combining these strategies, #SouthAfrica can create a comprehensive approach to tackling the #housingcrisis, ultimately #improvinglivingconditions and supporting #economicgrowth. South African Housing and Infrastructure Fund Mampeule Foundation