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Applications open for support by Africa Power Access Accelerator

Applications open for support by Africa Power Access Accelerator By Lake Kivu, Rwanda (source: flickr/ amalthya, creative commons)
Alexander Richter 22 May 2019

Applications are open for the “Africa Power Access Accelerator” program by the African Power Platform (APP) which bridges the existing gap between project developers and consultants / technology providers / financiers.

The Africa Power Access Accelerator program has now been launched and is accepting applications for project development support (Technical Assistance and Financing).

Improved access to modern energy services is one of the fastest ways to drive socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation. In many markets, electrification has largely been the domain of governments, but the rise of affordable, clean distributed generation technologies is opening new opportunities for the private sector and for public-private partnerships. Access to affordable and clean play a critical role in meeting the household and productive needs of the 600 million people that currently lack affordable, reliable electricity in Africa.

Developing power projects and raising finance on the African continent has proven a difficult endeavour. There are multiple projects in different stages of development, most just a concept idea, some with certain level of studies produced but far from financial close.

They need support at all the key pillars of power project development: Project Preparation, Project Structuring, Project Financing.

The “Africa Power Access Accelerator” program by the African Power Platform (APP) bridges the existing gap between project developers and consultants / technology providers / financiers.

The APP brings in to this program the efforts of different stakeholders to partner for the successful implementation of power projects in Africa.

Bringing together the expertise of a range of partners, the “Africa Power Access Accelerator” program creates a platform where developers can access everything required to get their project to implementation. From development expertise and funding, equity and debt providers, consultants, technology and equipment providers to full EPC and O&M services, we put viable projects on a success track.

It is open to businesses working on solar PV, hydro, wind, biomass, geothermal, gas, storage and hybrid solutions, utilising utility, mini-grids, and solar home systems. Projects can be at a variety of phases, and applications will be assessed using criteria such as support by local government, technologies deployed, financial and technical viability, environmental and social aspects, capabilities of the development team, and contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Projects applying by June 30 will be evaluated by September 30, and support will begin shortly thereafter. Applicants are required to pay small application fees depending on their level of project maturity. Applications can be made here.