The Unlocking Solar Capital (USC) conference, scheduled to take place in Kampala, Uganda on May 31 and June 1, 2023, is set to bring together key players in the solar energy sector.
Co-organized by the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA) and Solarplaza, the event aims to discuss and explore solutions for improving access to electricity in Africa, particularly in rural areas where extending the national grid is less cost-effective.
The conference will focus on various aspects of solar energy, including new and affordable technologies, business models, and financing opportunities. It aims to foster collaboration between impact and climate-related development finance institutions, venture capital and commercial companies, project developers, and service and product providers. The event will encompass different industry segments, ranging from solar home systems to large-scale solar power and solar mini-grids.
READ:Zambia launches tender for construction of a drinking water project
USC
The participation of several financial institutions is expected, including the African Development Bank (AfDB) with its Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), Dutch investor Triple Jump, and Power Africa, a US government initiative aimed at financing electricity capacity development in Africa through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Prominent energy companies such as Engie, a French company operating in various solar energy segments, and solar home system suppliers like Qotto, d.light, Sun King, and Azuri Technologies will also be present at the conference. Additionally, African decision-makers, including Ruth Nankabirwa, the Ugandan Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, will attend the event.
The timing of the USC Africa conference is crucial as African countries increasingly turn to solar energy for electrification efforts. It plays a significant role in the energy transition in countries like South Africa and in diversifying the electricity mix, particularly in nations heavily dependent on hydroelectricity, such as Zambia. The drought in Eastern and Southern Africa has affected hydroelectric power generation, making solar energy an attractive solution for stabilizing the national electricity grid.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Africa has a substantial solar energy potential estimated at 7,900 GW. Conferences like USC Africa provide a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation, aiming to accelerate the adoption of solar energy and address the energy challenges faced by many African nations.
