As COVID-19 hits the fossil fuel industry, a new UN report published on Wednesday shows that renewable energy is more cost-effective than ever – providing an opportunity to prioritize clean energy in national economic recovery packages and bring the world closer to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. The new report, Global Trends in Renewable Energy […]

During the last decade, more people around the world have gained access to electricity than ever before. However, the number still not connected has grown in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia, according to a new UN report on universal access to energy, launched on Monday. The seventh Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), SDG7, aims […]

In pursuit of building synergies in energy technology, Distributed Power Africa (DPA), an Econet Global company is partnering with Huawei Technologies to transform African communities through smart batteries and solar.  This collaboration will culminate in the offering of the Huawei Smart Energy Fusion product to be used in hybrid solar solutions for the African market. The partnership […]

Africa’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) plant was launched last Thursday in Nouakchott, the capital of Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Built by Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy specialist Masdar, the $32 million 15 megawatts (MW) scheme, which is the first utility-scale solar power installation in the country, will provide up to 10 percent of Mauritania’s power. The plant consists […]

As the world grapples with the devastating economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, the UN’s labour agency launched ILO Green Week to explore what a green future of work could look like, and how we can get there. The International Labour Organization event highlighted how a just  transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies can take place […]

Support for climate adaptation in Africa is crucial, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday in appealing for greater action to provide renewable energy to hundreds of millions who still lack access to reliable and affordable electricity. “As the continent that has contributed least to the climate crisis, Africa deserves the strongest possible support and […]

In some of the poorest parts of the world, where there is no access to a reliable electricity grid, the UN is equipping hundreds of health facilities with solar technologies, allowing them to avoid power outages and save lives. A technician checks solar panels on the roof of the Medical Stores Limited warehouse in downtown […]

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South African energy start-up Sun Exchange raised $1.4 million in a crowd sale of solar cells of a 1.9 megawatt (MW) solar and battery storage facility at Zimbabwe’s Nhimbe Fresh farm, the firm said on Wednesday. Investors were invited to purchase individual solar cells in the project. In exchange, they will earn […]

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo on behalf of his organisation and its members, addressed a congratulatory message to the President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi upon his nomination as “African Energy Person of the Year 2020”. The award represents a recognition by the energy […]

In eastern Sudan, renewable energy is being trialled as a power source in UN-run refugee camps, where an influx of thousands of people fleeing conflict in Ethiopia is putting a strain on local resources, and host communities. A woman in Um Rakuba refugee camp, in Sudan, takes part in a training session for solar cookers, UNDP Sudan “Cutting […]