Husk Power Systems Launches “Africa Sunshot”, Targets 2,500 Solar Minigrids Over 5 Years In Sub-Saharan Africa

In a major commitment to fast track climate resilient economic growth in rural sub-saharan africa, Husk power systems has announced the “Africa sunshot” initiative, with a goal of having 2,500 net-zero minigrids operating in off-grid and weak-grid communities in sub-saharan Africa within 5 years.

In a press statement by the organisation, husks also expects to mobilise 500million u.s dollars in equity and debt to finance the sunshot.

The announcement of the initiative was made known during the Africa climate summit in Nairobi Kenya, during which husk put forward a set of goals that will significantly raise the ambitions of the minigrid industry ahead of 2023, the set deadline for achieving the sustainable development goals(SDGs), including universal energy access as part of SDG7.

The press statement further noted that the Africa sunshot will help boost roughly 1million new connections of minigrids impacting about 7.7million people, while also creating a platform for the installation of 150MW of rooftop solar commercial and industrial (C&I), including 2.1megatons of CO2 avoided through displacement of diesel generation.

The press statement which disclosed that husk currently has more than 200 minigrids in operation in Nigeria and India, also noted that under the Africa sunshot, husk has outlined country-specific targets, with Nigeria benefitting 1,000 minigrids, Democratic republic Congo having 500, with 250 each specified for yet to be identified countries.

Nigeria’s country director at husk power systems according to the press release, stated that the time to support a 10-fold increase in the minigrid industry and supercharge low carbon and climate resilient growth in rural Africa is now.

Founded in. 2008, husk power systems is the leading net-zero energy company serving rural Asia and Africa, and owner and operator of the largest fleet of community solar minigrids across the two continents.