Published: December 13, 2010
Seven African project receive grants.
A fund dedicated to boosting the carbon market in African has awarded its first grants to support green projects on the continent following a second funding round.
African Carbon Asset Development (ACAD), a partnership between the United Nations Environment Program, its Risoe Centre, the German government and Standard Bank, has agreed to support seven projects in Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa.
“Through our seed funding and outreach activities we seek to empower Africa’s green entrepreneurs struggling to access the early-stage finance and technical support they need to succeed,” says Glenn Hodes, senior energy economist at the Risoe Centre.
The 300 MW Lake Turkana Wind Power Project in Kenya, believed to be one of the largest renewable energy generation projects in Africa, and the Terem Hydropower Project, which is constructing a small-hydro plant in rural western Kenya, are just two recipients of the funding.
Also benefiting are the Athi River Mining Company, which will use its grant to reduce its coal consumption, and Oando LPG Rollout Nigeria Project, a plan to issue clean LPG canisters instead of those using kerosene, charcoal and wood from non-renewable sources.
The other projects involve generating clean power, reducing carbon emissions at brick manufacturing plants, distributing LED-powered lighting in Rwanda and neighbouring countries as an alternative to kerosene lamps in rural areas.