Economic development in sub-Saharan Africa is impeded by the lack of technical skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at all levels, from vocational to graduate-level training.Read more
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DAKAR (January 29, 2024) - The United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced the award of $1.1 million in grants to local solar technology companies and renewable energy developers to increase access to solar solutions, boost the productivity of small businesses operating in off-grid areas, and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities in Senegal. The grants are part of USAID''s efforts to expand access to clean energy while improving the resilience of climate-sensitive economic sectors through climate change adaptation measures.
• Up to $375,000 in grants to solar technology companies Ibriz, FlexNRJ, and BONERGIE, to expand access to solar water pumps for women in three regions: Niayes (Louga, Saint-Louis), Casamance (Kolda, Sedhiou, and Ziguinchor) and Eastern Senegal (Tambacounda, Kedougou). This initiative aims to empower more women farmers, enhance livelihoods, and create jobs in rural areas.
• Up to $475,000 in grants to renewable energy developers, Tysilio and SolarX, supporting their efforts to expand the use of solar solutions in agriculture, fisheries, and commercial and industrial ventures. The grants will help local financiers develop strong relationships with renewable energy project developers and their customers, invest in renewable energy projects, and create financial products that respond to the needs of the energy sector.
• Up to $290,000 in grants to Kossam SDE, Jokosun, and Africa Green Tec to support energy-as-a-service models in solar cooling, electric-powered transportation, and other solar applications for small businesses. The "energy-as-a-service" models allow buyers to avoid purchasing large expensive energy-generation equipment and instead allow them to purchase only the energy separately, opening the market to rural and coastal customers (typically farmers'' and fishers'' associations) who might otherwise have been shut out due to high costs.
"As a climate-friendly technology, solar power not only enables Senegal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it helps change the lives of rural communities," said USAID Mission Director Alyssa Leggoe. "In partnership with the Government of Senegal and the private sector, USAID is helping improve agricultural productivity for small farmers, increase rural incomes particularly for women, and foster innovation that contributes to the prosperity and resilience of rural communities."
Over the past few years, the falling cost of solar and battery equipment and new business models, such as consumer financing and pay-as-you-go, have made off-grid appliances more affordable. The SURE approach will mobilize an additional $1.4 million in private capital – with half of the funds raised by grantees. Through the SURE Senegal program, USAID is helping small business owners, particularly women in rural areas, gain access to these technologies to have a more stable power supply, reduce their electricity costs and boost their productivity, competitiveness, and incomes.
The Centre for Study and Research in Renewable Energy (CERER) is a research institute of the University Cheikh Anta DIOP of Dakar (UCAD) that was created in 1980. The centre''s mission is to research and develop renewable energy technologies that enhance the nation''s energy independence, economy and environment and to educate students, practitioners, and the public on results of this research. Our aim is to develop technologies and systems that enhance access to modern type of energy in and impact directly and positively people''s everyday lives.
The Centre''s major activities can be grouped in four categories: renewable energy development and demonstration (RD&D), education and outreach; testing and certifying solar energy systems; and technical assistance. The main areas of RD&D conducted by CERER are:
At the beginning of 1980s, facing the ongoing desertification, the Government of Senegal (GoS) took some measures to fight against this problem. Thus a program funded by the USAID of improved cookstove made of a mixture of mud and sand to get fixed stove for rural areas was developed and implemented by CERER. This type of stove called "Ban ak Suf" was introduced with some success. However, the process stopped when there was no longer public and international finance and this activity nearly stopped in 1990s.
The challenge of today is to bring back all the knowledge that was lost in the 1990s and to launch sustainable projects. This process has started since mid 2005 with FASEN (Improved Cookstove in Senegal) implemented by GIZ. Another program linked with forest management (PROGEDE) is funded by the World Bank. All these program are intended to large improved cookstove dissemination on a market based orientation. But they need laboratory and field test to assure success of ICS dissemination.CERER provides training to stoves producers, laboratory test and monitors the quality of ICS.
Traditional use of biomass can be improved through the introduction of stoves with better energy efficiency and indoor air quality. However we must of course respect users habits and traditions and take account local manufacturing capabilities, variable fuel quality, as well as actual usage conditions. CERER is aware of this and works closely with local groups to develop concepts that will be user-friendly.
A market-based approach in commercialization of ICS is often viewed as the best way to ensure sustainability of ICS projects. Some strategies have been developed for ICS dissemination in close cooperation with the FASEN and the PROGEDE. These strategies involve women organisations in promoting and selling improved cookstoves, and networking trained producers. There is a growing interest to find ways to trigger more market-based approaches to foster large scale dissemination of ICS. CERER is keen to learn about actual market development from other partners.
CERER provides performance testing service for current and new prototye of stoves. This is vital in assuring the success of improved cookstove dissemination. Standards and characteristics of stoves need to be established in order to raise awareness among consumers and help them to obtain a reliable stove that conforms to safety, health and technical performance standards. CERER is working on developing stoves standards and certification protocols.
In order to evaluate ICS dissemination programs, standard monitoring and evaluation need to be developed. CERER is in the process of elaborating monitoring and evaluation methods. This will include accurate measurements of emissions and stove performance. The aim is to justify what programs achieve in large-scale dissemination.
About Dakar solar energy research and development
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