SNV and SEforALL partner for initiative to light up the lives of millions of families

During the COP23, UN Climate Change conference held in Bonn, Germany, on November 15 SNV signed an agreement to become a delivery partner of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).

On November 15 during the COP23, UN Climate Change conference held in Bonn, Germany, SNV signed an agreement to become a delivery partner of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL). Through this partnership agreement, the two organisations will join forces to progress SNV’s Call to Action to ignite “last mile” solar energy markets in 5 countries over a period of 5 years - Lighting up the lives of millions of families across the developing world for many years to come.

SNV sees an urgent need to launch this initiative as around 1.06 billion people globally still do not have access to electricity, and the hardest hit communities are in sub-Saharan Africa. Off-grid energy, in particular solar energy, is the smartest way to meet their needs with minimal climate impact. The lack of access to solar energy across rural areas in the developing world prompted SNV to launch a Call to Action to ignite solar markets, at the Vienna Energy Forum 2017.

To advance this Call to Action as delivery partners, SNV and SEforAll will work together to enhance energy access and develop an enabling market environment for last mile-distribution of solar powered products in Africa. Jointly they will support the shaping of solar markets through appropriate policy and regulatory consultations and collaborate on the unlocking of finance to increase diffusion of entry-level off-grid solar products.

At the signing of the partnership agreement Tom Derksen, Managing Director, Energy at SNV said “I am delighted to announce this partnership agreement between SNV and SEforAll. SEforAll is an organization known for their ability to broker partnerships and unlock finance to achieve universal access to sustainable energy. Having direct access to SEforAll’s knowledge products and convening power will certainly add strength to our initiative”.

Derksen concluded “Our goal is to stop the cycle of poverty and reduce reliance on grant funding by de-risking solar distribution to rural areas. The markets we ignite will expand even after we have gone.”.

Rachel Kyte, Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll), and Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, said “For everyone to have access to reliable, affordable, sustainable energy, we need to build inclusive markets for electricity and clean fuels. SEforALL has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with SNV, who have been pioneering work to end energy poverty. By formalizing our partnership and focusing on delivery we are committing to go further, faster – together – in delivering Sustainable Development Goal 7 for all.”

To learn more about the partnership agreement and Call to Action initiative, please contact Martijn Veen, mveen@snv.org