Clean Energy, Climate Change and Poverty Reduction On The Continent: Part IV

Large-scale public investments in hydropower underpinned the strategy, including the Gilgel Gibe 3 dam and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam By Michael Tichareva In this forth article on the subject of clean energy, climate change and poverty reduction we continue with emerging trends and case studies as reported in the 2015 Africa Progress Report (“APR”). The story of Rwanda continues to inspire as the country continues to develop solutions. Starting from an extremely low base, Rwanda expanded electricity access by 160 per cent in just three years between 2008 and 2011. New plans to scale up both access and power-generation capacity were then developed. Renewable technologies are transforming what is possible through decentralised provision. One example comes from a private initiative to extend Rwanda’s power into areas beyond the grid. Ignite Power, the first part of an ambitious plan aimed at achieving universal access to clean energy coverage, brought together the combined capabilities of many organisations, including Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the Milken Institute, a Rwandan government partner and several private actors. The first pillar is off-grid solar technology: a pre-paid system that can power four lights, a radio and television, and charge cell phones.