Global funds to deliver a clean energy future in Ethiopia

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) are excited to announce three new sustainable energy projects in Ethiopia, Cambodia and Tanzania.

World Vision has been awarded over $144,000 for a project in Ethiopia, which will develop local cooperatives in two low-income rural districts to finance the distribution of energy-efficient stoves and solar-powered lights.

Only a small percentage of Ethiopia’s rural population have access to electricity. Most rely on kerosene lamps which are expensive, provide poor lighting and are extremely flammable.  Cooking indoors on traditional open fire stoves creates indoor air pollution and can compromise respiratory function.

Tim Morris is World Vision Australia’s Food Security and Climate Change Manager. “World Vision is thrilled to be awarded this grant. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project has on thousands of people in rural Ethiopia,” he said.

The project aims to provide 3000 households with access to solar lighting and energy efficient stoves and start 30 cooperative societies. The cooperatives will be trained by World Vision and government agencies in bookkeeping and technology repair and will look to develop innovative financial products such as revolving funds that are administered by and for communities.

Once implemented, the project will have positive environmental, economic and social benefits through savings associated with reduced kerosene and fuel wood consumption from solar lights and improved cook stoves.

World Vision Australia, Innovation Energie Développement (IED) in Cambodia and the AEE – Institute for Sustainable Technologies in Tanzania have been awarded a significant grant from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID). The three organisations will share $465,000 in funding.

With the United Nations declaring 2012 the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, these innovative energy projects are set to help many in need.

REEEP is a non-profit change agent that specialises in boosting the market conditions for clean energy in emerging markets and developing countries. REEEP selected the successful applicants’ for their innovative thinking, solid financial backing, and scale-up potential.

Martin Hiller, Director General of REEEP, said, "The selected initiatives are all what you could call ‘turning point projects’; ones that enjoy strong support on the ground and have great potential for up-scaling.”

World Vision Australia has been supporting sustainable methods for introducing renewable and energy efficient technology across Africa, Asia and the Pacific for over 6 years.

For more information on REEEP’s work in South East Asia, the Pacific and in developing countries visit, http://www.reeep.org/443/south-east-asia-and-the-pacific.htm

World Vision’s child sponsorship addresses long-term development needs through sustainable means in the child's community. Visit www.worldvision.com.au or call 13 32 40.

ENDS

REEEP contact: Kate Greer, 03 9929 4120 or kate.greer@reeep.org

World Vision media contact: Gabrielle Brophy, 0407 575 112 orgabrielle.brophy@worldvision.com.au

Media Releases, Climate change, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Cambodia, Climate Change, Ethiopia, Food Security, Foreign Aid, Tanzania, World Vision

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