UN and EU fund Solarcentury to build solar mini-grid projects in rural East Africa

July 19, 2017
LinkedIn
Twitter
Reddit
Facebook
Email
Solarcentury representatives on a previous trip to Africa, for project work in Kenya. Image: Solarcentury.

UK-based PV company Solarcentury is collaborating with the EU and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on a €5.7 million (US$6.56 million) electrification project in East Africa.

The two mini-grid hybrid solar systems, powered by solar PV and lithium-ion batteries, are designed to bring reliable power to agricultural communities Areza and Maidma in Eritrea.

The projects will provide sustainable power for 40,000 people and businesses that are currently using diesel generators, which are expensive and damaging to the environment.

A representative for the Eritrean Ministry of Energy and Mines said the project will be economically and environmentally beneficial and improve local living standards.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Enjoy 12 months of exclusive analysis

Not ready to commit yet?
  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Annual digital subscription to the PV Tech Power journal
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The project is being funded primarily by the European Union, with the Government State of Eritrea and UNDP contributing just under €2 million (US$2.3 million) each.

Completion of the project is scheduled for early 2018.

Read Next

October 21, 2025
Developer Eku Energy has submitted its 400MW/1,600MWh Monduran battery energy storage system (BESS) project for environmental assessment under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
October 20, 2025
Production has begun at a battery energy storage system (BESS) factory designated as a project of strategic importance by the European Commission (EC) due to its use of local supply chains.
October 17, 2025
European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE), which represents 70 member organisations across the industry value chain, has undergone a rebrand.
October 17, 2025
Powerlink Queensland is seeking federal approval for transmission infrastructure connecting AGL Energy’s 2,000MWh Tuckeroo battery energy storage system (BESS) to the Western Downs Substation in Australia.
Sponsored
October 15, 2025
At RE+ 2025, the Chinese energy solution provider discusses modular design innovations, efficiency gains, and navigating an uncertain policy landscape.

Most Popular

Email Newsletter