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Save the date – 27 March 2023 – Decentralized renewable energy – key to a global energy transition
On 27th March 2023, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is hosting an event in Berlin to share experiences, successes and expertise in its support for decentralized renewable energy in Sub-Saharan Africa. The ministry’s initiative Green People’s Energy for Africa was launched i…
Solar drying – and avoiding crop losses
Since time immemorial, small-holder farmers have been drying fruits, beans and other crops with the help of the sun. However, this practice goes along with serious disadvantages. In contrast, solar-PV-powered drying, however, avoids crop losses. Because this technology is still relatively unknown in Ethiopia, Green …
Overcoming gender barriers – training specifically for women engineers and technicians
In the development and dissemination of renewable energies, female engineers and technicians are still the exception. Yet, they could play an important role in the dissemination of these renewable energy solutions. That’s why Green People´s Energy Ethiopia (GBE) has trained 33 female technicians and engineers from v…
Green People’s Energy promotes solar irrigation in Ethiopia
How do you combine climate-friendly water pumping and irrigation with efficient water usage? Solar-powered irrigation is the answer! To spread this insight, the Green People´s Energy initiative has built up a training plot and demonstration plot for this technology.
To increase awareness and knowledge of the…
Remote monitoring makes solar systems more durable
Without regular maintenance, up to 70 percent of solar systems in health centres fail in the long term. Therefore, it makes sense to maintain the systems regularly. Data analysis via remote monitoring could be a cost-effective option for this and help to plan solar plants based on facts in the future. To this end, …
Campaign to raise awareness around solar energy in Namibia launches
Renewable energies can help develop rural areas. That is why the Renewable Energy Industry Association of Namibian (REIAoN) wants to increase awareness of the opportunities offered by solar energy. With an awareness campaign over the radio and roadshows, the association wants to inform about possible technologies an…
Health centres sell ice cream and drinks thanks to solar electricity
Since October 2021, 15 health centres have been producing their own solar electricity. This allows them to supply patients around the clock. People also come by for another reason. Namely, at the centres, people can buy cold drinks and ice cream, charge their cell phones or borrow a solar lamp for a small fee. The r…
“The most important facility of the village is now electrified”
Cedikope with its 800 inhabitants is located on an island in the southern part of Lake Volta. It takes 30 minutes to get there by boat. Seth Mahu, the Director of Renewable Energy at the Ghanaian Ministry of Energy, travelled to the island anyway. There, Green People´s Energy (GBE) has electrified one of 31 health c…
Results based financing is helping farmers increase their harvests through solar pumps
Nearly 40 farmers have been able to purchase solar pumps through Green People’s Energy’s results-based financing approach, reporting crop increases of more than 100% in some cases. Not surprisingly, 50 additional farmers have now signed up as potential customers for solar pumps. And, with the help of Green People’s …
German solar industry supports Namibian association
Within the framework of an intensive association partnership between the German Solar Industry Association (BSW) and the Renewable Energy Industry Association of Namibia (REIAoN), targeted capacity building for the interest group in the South African country is to take place in the coming months. The focus of the pr…
Well-trained solar technicians accelerate electrification
With the help of solar energy, rural electrification in Zambia is making progress, especially in areas without connection to the national grid. Demand is rising. But there is a lack of well-trained solar technicians. In order to train them, Green People’s Energy in Zambia is committed to their education.
In Zambi…
A water pump that inspires a community to do more
In 2021, at the Langdi Paradise Farms in Upper West Ghana, a solar mechanized water pump was installed through the support of the Green People’s Energy project of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Thanks to the new irrigation, the farmers can now grow vegetables in the dry season. But fo…
Ethiopia sets new milestone for introducing cooperative mini-grids in rural areas
Representatives from Ethiopia’s energy, cooperative, finance and private sectors set a milestone with the Green People’s Energy initiative to enable cooperatives to establish and run mini-grids. Guidelines for for developing cooperative-based mini-grid projects are now available.
Knowledge hub for renewable energy online in Mozambique
Together with energypedia, Green People’s Energy (GBE) launched the Mozambique Off-grid Knowledge Hub. The site provides information on solar energy, clean cookstoves, nano- and mini-grids and on productive use of renewable energy.
Partnering with FIN’Elle accelerating spread of green energy
In Cȏte d’Ivoire, microfinance provider FIN’Elle is now partnering with Germany’s Green People’s Energy (GBE) initiative. Together they are working to strengthen women and female entrepreneurship. FIN’Elle specialises in women-led organisations and businesses.
Solar power helping to improve medical services in rural clinics in Ghana
Working with remote districts in Ghana’s Afram Plains, Germany’s Green People’s Energy initiative has helped bring power to rural clinics. Disconnected from the grid, these clinics could only provide services by day and were also limited in the type of medical equipment they could maintain. Now, lighting appliances …
Results-based financing lets farmers in Senegal buy solar-powered water pumps, helping to increase harvests
After almost 40 farmers bought solar pumps through the results-based financing approach used by Germany’s initiative for Green People’s Energy, they reported almost 100% increases in their harvests. No wonder another 50 farmers have now registered as potential customers for solar pumps.
Universities training trainers in use of solar pumps
Following handover of solar irrigation technology to universities in Ghana, training has now started for trainers. The aim is to ensure broad understanding and use of solar-powered water pumps in the country’s agricultural sector.
Using the sun’s rays to refrigerate food
Electricity from solar plants and cooling technology are an ideal mix to help industries develop. In this interview, Thomas Bundi from Strathmore University explains the technology and talks about the workshop he was instrumental in developing.
Green People’s Energy live at European Development Days – How to maximize the impact of energy access
Bärbel Höhn (BMZ) joining Dr. Willington Ortiz (Wuppertal Institute) and Silvia Sartori (Energia) at the European Development Days 21st June in Brussels.
Training trainers – learning solar technology to teach it themselves
In advanced training courses in Wildpoldsried, Bavaria, vocational school teachers from African partner countries have been learning how to design, build and operate self-sufficient battery-based solar power grids for buildings. They then teach their new knowledge to aspiring solar technicians in their home countries.
Green People’s Energy working with Odyssey tech on results-based financing in Côte d’Ivoire
Thanks to Odyssey’s digital technologies for distributed energy financing, GBE can now manage its data-driven and streamlined results-based funding schemes more effectively.
Communities producing their own electricity
Electricity produced decentrally using renewable energy sources is the key to a sustainable power supply. In rural Africa, photovoltaics and minigrids are opening up new opportunities for local economic development and value creation – based on affordable electricity from renewable energies. Twelve African and Germa…
Network meetings – When makers exchange ideas
In its projects, Germany’s Green People’s Energy (GBE) programme relies on a lively exchange of experience between African and German partners. At the end of May, the GBE organised a network meeting with its German partners, with over 30 participants discussing energy cooperatives, education programmes and how they …
Inmates learn how to irrigate fields with solar energy
With a solar-powered pump, they save on diesel costs and can grow crops, fruits and vegetables all year round.
Green People’s Energy walks one step closer towards cooperative-based mini-grids
To help bridging the financing gap, a concept was presented and discussed with key representatives from the energy sector.
Intensive consulting towards access to finance for renewable energy projects proves effective
Two companies were able to successfully submit their project documents to an international financier.
12 trainers certified in Green Banking
At the beginning of June, they will have the opportunity to apply the skills they have learned in a first local test training.
Solar-PV as enabler for improved health care in Ethiopia
Since March 2022, the solar-electrification of 10 rural health centers is underway.
Getting ready for the solar mini-grid roll-out: GBE Ethiopia conducts trainings for planners and implementers
The trainings are designed in such a way that the participants experience the theory in the workshops in a very practical way.
Dairy committees learn business 101
40 members of the cooperatives underwent training in entrepreneurship and organisational dynamics in January.
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Berlin and Windhoek: renewable energy for hospitals and schools
The partnership will put special focus on remote settlement areas with lacking access to elementary infrastructures.
GBE Uganda’s Gender Approach – Promoting Energy Skills Development for Women
GBE is committed to train particularly female technicians, professionals, and users of renewable energy solutions, and to advance women’s role in this field.
GBE Uganda partners with second Vocational Training Institute to expand solar training offer in Northern Uganda
Through partnerships with Vocational Training Institutes, GBE improves the quality of trainings on offer for future solar technicians and electricians-in-training.
GBE supports expansion of solar park in West-Nile region of Uganda
With the support of Green People’s Energy, Radio Pacis significantly increased the capacity of its solar park to over half a megawatt.
Professional solar equipment for businesses: properly cooling, drying, irrigating, and fertilising
Green People’s Energy held a training session for entrepreneurs to launch the distribution network for high-performance productive solar installations.
Green People’s Energy supports three more partnerships
Three new partners for sustainable energy supply and knowledge transfer
First months with solar power increased safe births and improved health services at rural health centers in Uganda
The findings and impacts on the community are remarkable.
Student cooperative takes off
Twelve experimental kits specially developed by the student cooperative are on their way to the primary school in Ntarama.
Business Field Renewable Energies – Alumni Network supports young Africans
The more people who get involved in ANSAP, the more valuable the network becomes for its members.
New training: Solar cooling systems significantly increase productivity
The Solar Cooling training course will be available from 21 to 23 February.
Call for a Results-Based Financing Programme in Côte d’Ivoire
GIZ will launch a results-based financing programme that provides financial incentives for the successful sale and installation of productive solar systems.
Signing of the financing agreement for the Energy Self-Sufficient Villages Initiative
With a total capacity of 865 kWh, the two mini-grids will connect about 8000 people and eight social institutions such as schools, health centres and others to the two decentralised electricity grids and provide access to clean and affordable energy.
Green People’s Energy supports four partnerships
Three organisations – four partners – one idea: improving the lives of local people with the help of renewable energies.
GBE Uganda collaborates with GIZ ProEnergie to bring Solar Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS) Training to Togo
The manuals and the corresponding training sessions aim to improve the capacity of end-users, such as farmers and members of agro-cooperatives, as well as technicians.
Solar Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS) Trainings for Users, Technicians and Trainers Launched in Northern Uganda
GBE Uganda has launched its 5-day SPIS trainings which officially started in September 2021.
Fountain Gate Crafts and Trades School has opened
Skills development will not only create more access to decentralized renewable energy but also create more job opportunities for individuals in Zambia.
Impact of solar energy in the health care
Since the installation of the solar power system at Kwasi Addae, the number of deliveries has increased from 15 to 35.
Trainings in solar energy can commence: two new curricula are approved
The objective is to improve the competencies of solar professionals in the country by giving them a hands-on, practical learning experience.
Green Banking Training
The 12-week online course will start on 1 December 2021. 100 participants can take part in this first training.
Only a good business plan attracts investors
GBE Senegal has identified twenty project developers that are now being supported by experts.
Linking up renewable energies with finance – Business Development Services powered by GBE Ethiopia
Currently, the companies receive individual coaching on their specific business cases and financing proposals.
FIKA 2021 – International Fair for Business and Information
GBE invites interested parties to visit the FIKA 2021 from the 28th October to the 14th November 2021 in Kaolack.
Interview with the BMZ Special Representatives for Energy in Africa
In the interview, Josef Göppel and Bärbel Höhn talk about their voluntary engagement and the GBE initiative.
Coaching improves access to capital for solar companies in Benin
With its advisory services, GBE Benin aims to facilitate access to capital and investors for solar companies.
Ethiopian teachers participate in the Green TVET School training
Nine Ethiopian teachers are participating in an extensive online training on renewable energy.
Solar irrigation – GBE trains trainers and trainees
GBE Ethiopia is currently training a total of 100 professionals from the solar, irrigation and agricultural sectors.
Announcements to commercial companies in the solar energy sector
The GBE project is looking for companies with solar equipment and suitable business models to provide sustainable energy services to the targeted social infrastructure.
Call for Project Proposals in the Decentralized Renewable Energy Sector for Facilitating Access to Finance
All projects related to decentralised renewable energy and with an impact on rural economic development are eligible to apply.
Green People‘s Energy promotes Energy Camp East Africa
Each winning start-up received a prize of 2,500 € for their innovative and well-developed business plan.
Renewable electricity improves health services
Solar energy systems and vaccine refrigerators were installed in three rural health centres.
GBE launches solar design advisory support for SMEs in Uganda
50 companies can benefit from free technical advice and customised guidance on investing in solar energy.
Formation institutes for experts in solar irrigation
The training combines theoretical and practical aspects that enable us to better meet farmers’ needs.
Better value chains in African agriculture
The postgraduate course “Food Chains in Agriculture” had this year 27 participants from Ethiopia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, Togo and Tunisia.
GBE on air – funding for renewable energies, alumni network, and general challenges
The Podcast “Wishes Granted” invited Elina and Caspar to talk about the GBE programme.
Solar energy improves medical care in rural clinics
In the next few months, 20 more rural clinics will be electrified. This will mean that about 65,000 people will benefit from the improved medical infrastructure.
Improving health care for 27,000 people
GBE Senegal recently trained 37 employees from these health centres, thereof 18 women, in the operation and maintenance of solar systems.
A new financial approach stimulates the Senegalese rural solar market
15 farms are now irrigating their fields with solar pumps, and 5 women directed shops were able to purchase solar-powered refrigerators in June.
Solid financing of solar energy systems for commercial purposes
Results-Based financing (RBF) mechanism helped spreading the use of solar-powered agricultural machinery in Benin.
Ten solar-powered water pump systems supply farmers in Benin
The high-quality solar-powered pumps enable farmers to save up to 200 euros a month.
323 solar modules “electrify” Togolese roofs with over 70,000 kilowatt hours
Togolese hospitals and vocational schools save a good 1,000 euros per month in energy costs through new solar systems on their roofs.
Solar training for agricultural coaches
Green People’s Energy’s has trained a dozen agricultural trainers on the use of renewable energy in off-grid areas in Benin.
Call for Interest by GBE Côte d’Ivoire – social infrastructures
A special emphasis is placed on the use of solar technologies by social infrastructures in decentralised areas.
Call for Interest by GBE Côte d’Ivoire – results-based financing program
Companies selling and installing solar refrigerators/freezers and solar water pumps for irrigation are eligible for incentives.
First solar training room opened in vocational school
Here, future electricians can practice installing and maintaining solar systems at 20 training stands.
Ministry of Energy established a Unit of Women Engineers through GBE Benin
Green People’s Energy’s Small Project Fund enables recruitment of eight women engineers for technical positions in the Ministry of Energy in Benin.
Framework set for sustainable bioenergy in Côte d’Ivoire
With 1,200 million tonnes of biomass annually, Côte d’Ivoire has excellent potential for bioenergy production.
GBE Senegal und LVIA support 600 women
Solar energy supports six women’s groups to upgrade their grain processing sites. GBE and LVIA support the development of profitable farms through training and coaching.
Launch of energy advisory support for cooperatives
The 99th International Day of Cooperatives on the 3rd of July 2021 was held under the global theme “Rebuild Better Together”.
Discussing the financing of renewable energy projects for productive use in Senegal
GBE Senegal organized a three-day sensitization workshop on the possibilities to improve and expand the financing offers for renewable energy projects.
Registration open for second GBE-ARE webinar
The Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) and Green People’s Energy have the pleasure to invite you to participate in the webinar on “Stimulating Demand for Productive Use of Renewable Energy Solutions in Local Communities” at 14.00-15.30 CEST on 7 July 2021.
Improving incomes in the banana sector using solar energy
48 companies in the banana value chain will soon benefit from better production conditions: With the installation of pumping systems, cold chain, and processing units that will be powered by solar energy. These companies will thus improve the quality of their product and increase their income.
Call for promoting Renewable Energies in Africa
We are looking for European actors in the energy transition such as municipalities, educational institutions, cooperatives, non-governmental organisations, associations, or companies.
Training of trainers for solar systems starts in northern Namibia
Renewable energies offer many solutions to improve the social and economic situation of the people in Namibia. In order for vocational schools to train young people in solar energy systems, they need well-trained trainers. GBE aims for just that in cooperation with Eenhana Vocational Training Centre.
Energy connects – launch of GBE-ARE web seminar series
On 20 April 2021, the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) and Green People’s Energy (GBE) launched their web seminar series “Paving the way for Clean Energy Transition with Decentralised Renewable Energy (PWCET) ” at the digital EU-Africa Business Forum. The first of in total 10 events had more than 200 partici…
Showcase project for more sustainable Tea Production in Uganda
With the help of renewable energy, tea factories can reduce their energy costs, produce more economically and reduce deforestation.
Twelve Senegalese women’s and youth groups take off with solar energy
Groups of women and young people in the Kédougou region will improve their own farms with the productive use of solar energy. The project started at the end of April.
Solar pumps secure harvests, income and livelihoods in northern Tanzania
Where rain becomes rarer, solar-powered water pumps ensure the survival of smallholder farmers. The technology is low-maintenance and opens up numerous opportunities for people, as an example from Tanzania shows.
Boda boda taxis: First charging stations outside Kampala for solar-powered electric motorbikes are coming
Stinking, rattling, CO2 emissions, that’s a thing of the past – at least for the electric motorbikes charged by solar power as piloted in a project of Green People’s Energy (GBE) Uganda
Women farmers switch to solar-powered water pumps
After learning about the advantages of solar-powered water pumps in a workshop organised by Green People’s Energy (GBE) Uganda, the women of two cooperatives are now starting vegetable production in shared greenhouses.
34 banana and agricultural producers exchanged ideas on solar irrigation and sustainable processing possibilities
GBE Senegal discussed with the participants the advantages of solar irrigation systems for banana and other agricultural cultivation methods. The workshop also became interactive through matchmaking with other market actors, such as financial institutions.
Toolkit presented at international expert forum for rural electrification
At the Alliance for Rural Electrification’s (ARE) 6th Energy Access Investor Forum, GBE Zambia took part in the presentation of a new toolkit for renewable energy associations and answered numerous questions around association formation.
Networking – Sharing Information and Knowledge is the Key to Success
Innovative platform brings renewable energy students and specialists from across Africa together, after attending course on the subject in Germany
First harvest at GBE Uganda’s solar irrigation demo garden in Gulu
Only months after its set up at GIZ office in Gulu, GBE Uganda’s demonstration garden for Solar Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS) brought a first rich yield of tomatoes, collards, and other vegetables.
Solar pump training in Benin: Second place goes to a woman
Over a six month period a cooperation of Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences and WE4Food trained online (due to Covid) 749 people in solar-powered irrigation systems – with Aïchatou Lawani from INETS Benin achieving the second-best result.
GBE supports, in collaboration with ENDA Energie, the solar electrification of women-led rural dairy micro-enterprises
GBE supports the solar electrification of 24 mainly women-led dairy micro-enterprises in rural Senegal, thereby adding value to milk production, and reducing production waste for 200 farmers.
Universal Energy Facility opens pre-qualification for mini-grid projects in Benin
The Universal Energy Facility, a results-based financing facility, is inviting pre-qualification submissions from companies for the development of mini-grid projects in Benin.
Call for Manifestation of Interest: Support in Access to Finance for Productive Use Renewable Energy Projects
GBE offers access to finance consulting for local productive use renewable energy project developers. The Call for Manifestation of Interest is open until Feb. 28, 2021.
(Em)powering Rural Health Centers in Mozambique to Help Contain the Spread of COVID-19
GBE and Fundação para o Desenvolvimento da Comunidade (FDC) electrify 42 rural health centers in Mozambique to strengthen their capacities in dealing with the ongoing pandemic.
Practically all digital: training in times of Corona
Exchange between German and African vocational school teachers is also possible during the pandemic: A digital platform with interactive teaching material is now available for the education and training of prospective solar installers in Africa.
Five local organisations recently started implementation of their project ideas
Five public benefit organisations are funded in their approaches to improve the local energy situation. The projects range from a solar-powered eye care center, over the training of solar technicians to a radio station stabilizing the electricity grid.
Solar professionals made in Zambia
The Green People’s Energy project in Zambia commences its implementation with the inception workshop with all stakeholders on 25 and 26 November.
Solar Energy Irrigation Systems
SPIS Training opportunity (second intake);
From May to July 2020, GBE Benin reacted to the COVID-19 lockdown in the country by taking their training activities online; partner solar companies were offered access to a web-based training course on solar powered irrigation.
Call for Project Proposals in the Decentralized Renewable Energy Sector for Facilitating Access to Finance
The GBE Benin project facilitates access to finance for local developers of decentralised renewable energy projects, through technical assistance and linkages with business development service providers and financial institutions.
Mapping of private health centers for electrification
In Benin, the GBE project is mapping non-electrified private health centers in order to facilitate their access to electricity through the Fee-for-service model. As traditional off-grid electrification approaches have shown their limitations, this model has been developed for the sustainable electrification of socia…
Production of Standardized and Accessible Fabric Masks
Green People’s Energy Mozambique supports the production of standardized and accessible fabric masks to promote safety measures and income generation for small-scale producers as part of its component on Productive Use of Energy. The distribution of masks will include recommendations for their use as well as awarene…
First Productive Use of Energy idea Competition for the Private Sector
In response to the great relevance of off-grid energy for productive use (PUE), Green People’s Energy Uganda, launched the first PuE Idea Competition for the Private Sector in late May. Solar distributors, project developers and operators of PuE technologies were invited to apply. Successful applicants are eligible…
Sustainable electrification of social institutions in Benin
One in four health centers in Africa does not have access to electricity. This applies to every social institution; particularly in Benin. The GBE Benin project aims to develop the market for decentralized renewable energy in rural areas by promoting energy-as-a-service business models. To increase awareness, GBE Be…
