Energy News Roundup
By SparkMeter has completed $12 Million Series A Funding Round to increase energy access in emerging markets
SparkMeter is a provider of grid management services, equipment, and software solutions that increases access to reliable electricity in underserved communities across Africa, Asia and the Americas. The company is currently operating in over 25 countries with over 100,000 meters sold.
Their simple plug-and-play solution enables microgrids and distribution utilities operating in remote locations to access a range of features – flexible billing, customer communications, and remote monitoring and control – that improve their operations and help them achieve financial sustainability.
The funding round was led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Clean Energy Ventures and Goodwell Investments partnering with Alitheia Capital, Total Energy Ventures, and other notable investors.
Nigerian Energy Sector experts celebrated at the African Power, Energy & Water Industry Awards
The seventh edition of the African Power, Energy & Water Industry Awards, was held digitally on Tuesday and honoured the most remarkable and inspiring energy projects and power pioneers on the continent.
Ifeoma Malo, of Clean Tech Hub Nigeria, Sanusi Ohiare of the Rural Electrification Fund, Sosai Renewable Energies Company and Kano Electricity Distribution Company Plc KEDCO – all Nigerian – won in their respective categories for their significant contributions to the industry.
Andrew Herscowitz, Former Coordinator of Power Africa, USAID’s programme was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. He is currently the Chief Development Officer at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.
President Muhammadu Buhari is reported to have approved the much-anticipated electricity tariff increase effective from September 1st, 2020.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had approved service reflected tariffs for the electricity sector which was due to commence on July 1, 2020 after it was initially postponed from April 1, 2020. However, this was postponed till the first quarter of 2021 reportedly based on interventions by the Federal House of Assembly, and indications that the key Electricity sector players still needed time to come to an agreement on some key terms.
We will have to wait to see if this tariff increase takes effect on September 1st.
Uganda has launched the first Electric Bus Plant in Africa to industrialize the country and fight pollution
Pollution is a major problem in Kampala and most of the capital’s 3 million citizens travel on 14-seater minibuses or motorbikes that run on diesel and gas. Ugandan-owned Kiira Motors Corp.’s new e-bus factory is bringing roads, power lines and water service to a rural area.
The government is hoping that 90% of the e-bus parts could eventually be made in Uganda. Initially, the lithium-ion batteries that power the electric vehicles will be produced in China, while some other parts of the bus can already be made locally, including the windows, air filters, frame, and the batteries that power the radio.
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a one-year deferment of the 35 per cent import adjustment tax (levy) imposed on fully-built unit (FBU) electricity meters.
This is in accordance with the 2019 fiscal policy measures for the implementation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Common External Tariff (CET) 2017 – 2022.
Energy+, an off-grid supplier based in Mali, has recently obtained $1 million to facilitate the distribution of its solutions in Mali. The company has received the money in various forms from VentureBuilder, Cordaid Investment Management (Cordaid), and the US Foundation for African Development (USADF).
MAX.ng in partnership with Rubitec Nigeria Limited launches fleet of electric motorcycles in Nigeria.
MAX.ng, the motorcycle-hailing and delivery service provider, has introduced its made in Nigeria MAX Series M1 fleet of electric motorcycles. Launched in Ogun State, it is expected to ease transportation and boost economic activities in the state.
Rubitec Nigeria Limited, a renewable energy company, will provide the charging stations for the motorcycles. The electric motorcycles use a battery-swap model that allows riders replace their depleted batteries.