📋 Tender Overview
Norway gives NOK 248 million to companies investing in renewable energy in developing countries. The money is given in an early phase of the projects to reduce the risk. - A sought-after scheme because it works, says the development minister.
Production of gas from Eucalyptus, solar cell systems in schools and hospitals, increased battery capacity to store energy that has been created and development of wind power plants. These are some of the 27 projects that receive a total of NOK 248 million through the so-called business support scheme for renewable energy. The scheme helps companies by paying for feasibility studies and other types of project preparation costs. Of the 27, ten projects are Norwegian and a further four have Norwegian partners or shareholders.
These are brave companies that invest in sustainable energy solutions in developing countries. We help them in what is a critical phase for the projects, and often it can be a do or don't be for the projects. Developing countries have an enormous need for energy to continue their development, but it must be green for this to be sustainable for our planet. This scheme contributes to that, says Development Minister Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim.
This week, the Minister for Development is attending the World Bank's annual meeting in Washington DC, where "Mission 300" is central. The bank estimates that around 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity. That is why the World Bank, together with the African Bank, has set itself the goal that 300 million people should have electricity in their homes by 2030. 26 out of 27 projects that receive money through the Norwegian business support scheme are precisely in Africa south of the Sahara, and are one of several contributions to to realize "Mission 300".
Of the projects receiving support, solar power is by far the largest. Here there are both online and so-called off-grid solutions. There are also several projects on wind power, bioenergy and hydropower - the latter where Norwegian actors have great expertise.
This is a sought-after arrangement because it works. One example is Mainstream Renewable Power, where Norwegian Aker Horizon is the largest owner. Last year, the company received a contribution to the guarantee premium for two solar power plants totaling 150 MegaWatt. With our contribution, they have managed to obtain the capital they needed to start up, and now they have begun construction in South Africa, where there are major energy challenges. I am really proud of this arrangement.
A total of 73 companies applied for grants through the business support scheme this year. The scheme is managed by Norad, the directorate for development cooperation, which processes and assesses applications from Norwegian and international companies, as well as follows up on the projects.
