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The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Federal Government of Somalia implemented the Somali Electricity Access Project (SEAP) with grant funding from the World Bank. The project aims to expand electricity access in targeted urban, peri-urban, and rural communities, reaching 21,500 households and around 113,900 people, with a focus on providing affordable and reliable energy access to unelectrified Somali households and small businesses, particularly women.
SEAP's goal was to give individual solar power systems to homes and businesses without electricity, facilitate electrification with solar or hybrid mini-grids, and provide project management, technical support, and capacity development. The project had a substantial effect on the solar industry in Somalia, granting energy to more than 113,900 individuals and enhancing the development of renewable energy. Although the project ended in 2023, it established a solid base for upcoming projects to improve electricity availability and support renewable energy in the area.
Read More: SEAP - MoEWR
The HAREACT project, funded by the African Development Bank, is an effort by the Federal Government of Somalia to improve access to renewable energy and advance cooking technologies in households. HAREACT's primary objective is to offer electricity access off the grid and encourage modern cooking technologies in both urban and rural areas throughout Somalia.
Primary goals and elements:
Increasing power generation capacity by implementing solar PV systems and battery storage systems.
HAREACT has positively influenced the solar industry in Somalia by increasing the adoption of solar PV systems and enhancing energy accessibility. This has led to economic expansion, improved health results, and minimized environmental effects by reducing the use of biomass for cooking.
The project is still in progress and remains committed to supporting Somalia's development priorities as specified in the Ninth National Development Plan (NDP-9) for the years 2020-2024.
Read more: HAREACT - MoEWR
The ASCENT program is a major effort focused on improving access to cost-effective, dependable, and environmentally friendly energy in Eastern and Southern Africa. This initiative receives backing from the World Bank and encompasses various stages and collaborations to accomplish its objectives.
Primary goals and elements:
ASCENT significantly influences the solar industry by increasing the implementation of solar PV systems and other sustainable energy solutions. This not only enhances energy accessibility, but also aids in the shift towards sustainable energy sources, decreasing dependence on nonrenewable resources.
The ongoing ASCENT program aims to help approximately 100 million individuals in 20 countries in the next seven years. This ambitious endeavor is a component of a larger plan to attain universal energy access and promote sustainable development objectives in the area.
Read more: ASCENT - MoEWR
The Africa Mini-grids Program (AMP) aims to transform energy markets in Africa through commercial investments in solar battery mini-grids. Implemented by UNDP, GEF, RMI, and AfDB, the program focuses on enhancing economic development and livelihoods by increasing access to reliable electricity in underserved communities. By promoting solar battery mini-grids, the AMP supports local businesses, fosters job creation, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, promoting environmental sustainability. The program also encourages private sector investments in innovative solar energy solutions, creating a conducive environment for scalable development. Overall, the Africa Mini-grids Program is a holistic approach to addressing energy poverty and advancing sustainable development through solar energy deployment in Africa.