The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has confirmed the allocation of approximately $105 million for eight renewable energy projects in developing countries in the seventh cycle of the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility.
The announcement, made on Sunday, January 12, 2020, marks a record level of funding for any cycle since the facility was launched and will provide funding for projects in Antigua and Barbuda, Burkina Faso, Chad, Cuba, the Maldives, Nepal, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The announcement was made during the 10th IRENA Assembly and brings cumulative funding to date to $350 million, in line with the commitment made by ADFD across seven funding cycles to IRENA recommended projects.
“Overcoming investment needs for energy transformation infrastructure is one of the most notable barriers to the achievement of national goals,” said Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA. “Therefore, the provision of capital to support the adoption of renewable energy is key to low-carbon sustainable economic development and plays a central role in bringing about positive social outcomes.
“The record levels of funding announced in this cycle of the facility will not only support the eight chosen countries in their pursuit of energy and climate plans but will also further global ambitions to build a sustainable future,” he continued. “This facility is a true reflection of the transformational outcomes that organisations with shared goals can deliver when they come together and provides a blueprint effective cooperation in the future.”
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “In cooperation with IRENA, ADFD is proud to have supported the deployment of renewable energy solutions worldwide over several years. In its efforts to boost the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goals 6,7,11, 12 and 13 – ADFD-funded projects over the seven cycles of the Facility have led to the widespread adoption of scalable, clean, and sustainable energy alternatives in 26 countries.”
He added: “Today’s announcement re-affirms the UAE’s and ADFD’s leading efforts to combat the effects of climate change by stimulating robust development across the global renewable energy sector. The Fund’s commitment to this priority has enhanced long-term growth prospects and yielded socio-economic benefits for millions of lives in line with the national objectives of the beneficiary countries.”
In Antigua and Barbuda, an 8 MW hybrid power plant (solar and wind) will receive an ADFD investment of $15 million. The project is expected to benefit 5,500 households and allows for large reductions in the import of fossil fuels.
In Burkina Faso, an ADFD loan of $5.5 million will contribute to the construction of a 3 MW solar PV power plant in the country. The project is expected to extend electricity to approximately 40,000 people in rural areas.
In Chad, the ADFD loan of $15 million will contribute to the construction of a six MW solar power plant. The project is expected to benefit more than 215,000 people in six cities.
In Cuba, a project will receive an ADFD loan of $20 million to install 8.5 MW of solar PV capacity, supported with 2 MW of energy storage, in Isla de la Juventud. The project will benefit 32,300 people, aims to support the energy sector, decrease fossil fuel consumption, reduce the level of carbon emissions and secure energy consumption from renewable and sustainable sources.
In the Maldives, a waste-to-energy plant project in the city of Addu will receive an ADFD loan of $14 million. The 1.5 MW renewable energy project will utilise waste in generating electricity and reduce dependence on imported fuel benefitting 35,000 people.
In Nepal, a project will receive an ADFD loan of $10 million to support a total of 20 biogas digesters which will serve as demonstration units to 270 municipalities. The digesters will convert organic waste into useful energy and offset the use of fossil fuels by replacing it with renewable natural gas.
In Saint Lucia, the 10 MW Troumassee solar power station, battery storage and setting up solar energy systems in the country, will receive an ADFD loan of $15 million. The venture will support the whole population, economic development, advance the implementation of Saint Lucia’s national energy policy and reduce diesel fuel consumption.
In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an ADFD loan of $10 million will support the installation of a 7 MW solar PV project and benefit 2,444 households. The renewable energy venture aims to reduce carbon emissions, fossil fuel consumption and operating costs.
