Summary
Rural Energy Foundation (REF) facilitates access to renewable energy to hundreds of thousands of rural people in sub-Saharan Africa. It does so by establishing effective supply chains (by establishing and training entrepreneurs and technicians in solar energy solutions), by stimulating demand (by large awareness campaigns) and by facilitating access to loans to entrepreneurs and end users. The approach works: during the past 3 years REF facilitated access to electricity to more than 332,000 people at a cost of less than EUR 4 per connected person.
NEWS - REF wins world's leading green energy awards
On July 1, 2010, REF was awarded an international Ashden Award in London, handed out by Sir David Attenborough. For more information, please download the press release, a more detailed case study on REF, and a brief documentary that the Ashden Award organization made about REF.
On March 23, 2010 REF received the Sustainable Energy Europe Award 2010 from EU Energy Commissioner Oettinger. For more information, please download the press release or watch the film the EU Sustainable Energy Campaign made about REF.
No access to electricity hinders development
More than 70% of sub-Saharan Africa has no access to electricity. In rural areas this percentage generally exceeds 95%. Without access to electricity, millions of people are hampered in their development. People spend a lot of money on kerosene and batteries. Still they do not have access to television and modern communication means. High costs and limited access to information hinder development.
While good solutions are available...
Renewable energy household solutions, such as solar lanterns and solar home systems, are highly attractive to off-grid households. Households can considerably reduce their energy costs (kerosene, batteries), while access to electricity improves their living standard. People can become more productive, children can study after sunset. And, these solutions do not require expensive and maintenance-sensitive electricity grids.
Why access is so limited
Despite the benefits, most people lack access to renewable energy. Entrepreneurs often fail to see the potential and lack the technical skills and financial capacity to develop a business in renewable energy products. The public is hardly aware of the benefits of solar energy products, so demand is limited. Finally, many household may lack the upfront cash needed to make the upfront investment in a solar home system.
REF facilitates access to energy
We identify, train and support commercial retailers and distributors, so that these entrepreneurs start and expand a business in renewable energy household solutions. We provide solutions to their financial constraints. In addition, we initiate large-scale marketing campaigns to stimulate demand for renewable energy products. Finally, we facilitate solutions where end users obtain credit to make the upfront investments.
We have teams on the ground in nine countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We have concentrated so far mainly on solar (PV) energy, however in 2009 we have opened a window for hydro power systems, efficient cook stoves and low-cost water filters. We employ 32dedicated professionals who believe in a market-oriented, no-nonsense approach.
Funding
Our work is made possible by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DOEN Foundation and several private individuals. We employ their funds where the impact is highest and work against the lowest-possible costs. REF's high efficiency and sustainable approach have been internationally recognized.
Achievements
We have built a network of 192 retailers across Africa. Most retailers have adopted the Solar.Now! brand name, a brand that we have created and that stands for reliable services and good products. We constantly train and support these entrepreneurs and create linkages to stimulate a competitive market. Our Solar.Now! retailers sold more than 44,000 solar home systems in 2009 alone. At the end of 2009, REF had facilitated access to electricity to well over 332,000 people. Please download our 2009 annual report and our 2008 annual report for further details.
Needs
From 2011-2013 REF plans to provide access to renewable energy to an additional 1 million people at a cost of EUR 2.20 per newly connected person. This program will focus on six core markets: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mali, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Apart from that, REF wishes to expand its activities in new markets in Africa. To finance these plans, REF is looking for strong partners who agree that a low-cost market development approach is the key to the diffusion of renewable energy technology in rural Africa, thereby stimulating sustainable socio-economic development in the poorest region of the world.
Contact
Mail: PO Box 1307, 6501 BH Nijmegen, the Netherlands
Visit: Fortstraat 7, 6523 DG Nijmegen, the Netherlands
Tel: +31 626 696 693
E-mail:
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REF is a CO2 neutral organization. REF's carbon program is executed by CO2Operate (www.co2operate.nl ).
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