Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, is presenting a number of tools and solutions that can facilitate access to energy in Africa, at the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) Energy Access Investment Forum 2023. The event, which takes place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, brings together private and public sector actors to expand access to energy, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa.
The International Energy Agency estimates that 775 million people globally live without electricity, hindering economic and human development. Ensuring access to clean and affordable energy is one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and it is particularly relevant to sub-Saharan Africa, where an estimated 568 million people lack access to electricity.
At the Energy Access Investment Forum, Schneider Electric introduced the Gaia Energy Impact Fund. Developed in collaboration with Capital Croissance, Investisseurs & Partenaires and Gaia Impact, this is a venture capital fund committed to expanding energy access, accelerating the adoption of renewable energy sources and transforming the energy landscape in Africa.
“Access to energy is a basic human right, and one we are investing in to improve the lives and livelihoods of many,” said Albert Fuchet, Global VP of Access to Energy, Schneider Electric. “Through collaboration, innovative solutions and strategic investments, we can effectively empower underserved communities with access to clean energy and long-term opportunities.”
Schneider Electric also showcased a range of innovative solutions to expand energy access. These include the Homaya Hybrid and Homaya Pro — smart, solar-powered hybrid inverters designed to supply power to locations with limited access to the grid; EcoStruxure Energy Access Expert, a remote monitoring platform specifically designed for rural electrification to enhance the visibility of microgrid sites; and Schneider’s training and entrepreneurship program that trains and supports women entrepreneurs in the energy sector and advances inclusive and sustainable local development.
Schneider experts at the event spoke on key topics such as catalyzing investments for renewable electrification, decentralising the renewable energy sector and accelerating the clean energy transition across sub-Saharan Africa.
As an Impact company, Schneider Electric is committed to bridging progress and sustainability for all. The Access to Energy program, created in 2009, draws on the company’s expertise and local footprint to develop safe, affordable, and reliable technological solutions to support the growing energy needs of developing countries. This is pursued in close partnership with local public sector stakeholders and civil society groups. As part of its own sustainability goals, Schneider Electric aims to connect 50 million people globally to clean and reliable energy by 2025.