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Restoration of Mount Coffee, a hydropower plant that supplies up to 88 megawatts to Liberia's power grid. The power plant is scheduled to be completed in 2017.
Photo: Jan Speed / Bistandsaktuelt
In the fishing village of Kapeta, on the banks of the Malawi Lake, lives 17-year-old Atifa Livona. The lamp she has is in diligent use. It was charged at a local store by day using solar energy. She says it's been easier to cook, they have light inside the house and it's easier to find their way in the dark. Here she is about to start cooking for the evening supper.
Photo: Ken Opprann
Kumbukani (10) from Malawi reading homework in the late evening. Increased access to radio, television, and mobile phones increase access to information. On the environmental side, the use of wood and coal fires are reduced, which also has health benefits.
Photo: Ken Opprann
The Scatec Solar Project in Rwanda is an 8.5 megawatts solar power plant in a rural area. The facility was built at record speed (one year from the signing of power sales agreement to start-up) and now produces almost ten percent of the maximum capacity in Rwanda's power grid.
Photo: Scatec
Access to energy is necessary for providing life saving services at hospitals.
Photo: Ken Opprann
NEW METHODS: Modern cookstoves are both more energy efficient and less harmful to health. Norwegian aid has contributed to millions of people aquiring these. Old-fashioned cooking with open flame contributes to millions of premature deaths annually.
Photo: GACC

Clean Energy for Development Initiative

Access to clean and affordable energy is a necessity for ending poverty.

The Clean Energy for Development aims to increase access to renewable energy in developing countries. The initiative has provided lasting results for millions of people since it was started in 2007.

Both the Sustainable Development Goals and climate agreement in Paris states that the global community must continue to supporting sustainable energy development.

Renewable energy enables economic growth and protects the environment. Sustainable, affordable and reliable energy supplies are also prerequisites for abolishing extreme poverty.

Purpose

The main objective of the Clean Energy for Development initiative is to reduce poverty, stimulate economic growth and reduce pollution.

The initiative aims to strengthen:

  • The availability of clean, reliable and affordable energy in developing countries
  • Energy production
  • Capacity and institution building in the energy sector

Many development measures

The Clean Energy Initiative supports a wide range of projects in developing countries:

  • Training of staff
  • Education and research
  • Technical assistance
  • Development of power plants
  • Development of power lines
  • Cleaner cook stoves
  • Solar systems for home use
  • Institution building

Results

Since 2007, the initiative has contributed to clean energy for 18 million people:

  • Nearly 10,5 million people gained access to electricity
  • Nearly 7,5 million people gained access to better cooking appliances and biogas

Norwegian aid has contributed to the development of 6000 MW production capacity:

  • Estimated to cover the annual consumption of 30 million people
  • Water, solar and wind power
  • Carbon emissions reduced by 24 million tonnes following Norfund’s investments

The initiative has led to the construction of 9000 kilometers of power line and distribution networks.

Eleven countries has improved their management of the energy sector.

Eight countries has strengthened research and knowledge of renewable energy. This has resulted in:

  • 250 master and doctoral students in clean energy technology
  • 3100 courses and seminars on clean energy

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Support for clean energy is central to the fight against global climate change. More than 80 percent of the world’s energy consumption is based on polluting fossil fuels.

The poorest countries are also the most vulnerable to climate change. Their livelihoods are largely based on the natural resources nearby.

Adaptation to climate change is both demanding and costly. Increased investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency are important in meeting these challenges.

Organization and financing

The Clean Energy for Development initiative is headed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Norad leads the secretariat, and is responsible for professional counselling. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies are responsible for managing most country programs.  A number of partners help carry out activities in the energy sector.

The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) contributes in institution building and training. Throughout the years, the International Center for Hydropower (ICH) has received grants through the scheme to hold courses related to hydropower development.

Norway provides support through various channels:

  • Direct government grants (bilateral support)
  • Multilateral organizations such as the UN and the World Bank
  • International NGOs

Norway supported energy and development by NOK 16.4 billion from 2007 to 2015. The support consisted mainly of grants and commercial investments. NOK 1.9 billion went to core support for multilateral organisations.

Published 30.10.2011
Last updated 16.06.2017