Phanes Group opens solar power incubator to unlock energy potentials in Africa

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A Dubai-based integrated end-to-end solar provider, Phanes Group, has launched its first solar power incubator programme.

This development, according to the organisation, is aimed at partnering African developers by identifying potential PV (photovoltaic) projects in sub-Saharan Africa by providing access to funding as well as commercial and technical knowledge.

The initiative, tagged: “The PV Solar Incubator, Your Project, Our Expertise, For a Sustainable Future,” according to Phanes Group, in a release, will be held in partnership with Hogan Lovells, Proparco, responsAbility, RINA Consulting and Solarplaza.

As a result of this and to further develop other initiatives in the solar power sector, the organisation said PV developers have been invited to submit proposals for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects that are based in sub-Saharan Africa.

Candidates are advised to submit proposals by October 1, 2017, via Phanes Group’s website, www.phanesgroup.com/incubator. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to exhibit their projects before proficient panelists including incubator’s partner organisations at Solarplaza’s “Unlocking Solar Capital Africa” conference in Côte d’Ivoire, between October 25 and 26, where the industry’s major players will deliberate on solutions for Africa’s solar energy funding gap.

The Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Martin Haupts, said in the release: “Our core strategy is to collaborate with Africa-focused counterparties, such as local project owners, governments and developers on projects that are tailored towards sustainable future for urban and rural communities across the sub-Saharan region.

“We believe the Phanes Group Solar Incubator – in collaboration with our partners – will leverage untapped local PV potentials and create more opportunities for local projects, coupled with our strengths in developing bankable solutions for clean, affordable energy and efforts in CSR, the incubator initiative will also address local needs that haven’t yet been met.”

Christopher Cross of law firm Hogan Lovells, who will be part of the evaluation panel at the event, was quoted in the release as saying: “We are excited to be invited to take part in this remarkable initiative. The Solar Incubator will promote local innovation and investments to bring potential opportunities to reality for social and economic benefit of the region and its people.”

After the winning project(s) have been announced at the “Unlocking Solar Capital Africa” event, the developers will be invited to join Phanes Group for an intensive 4-day workshop at its headquarters in Dubai, UAE. This will help lay the foundations for delivering a bankable and sustainable project, the Group said.

The deadline to submit projects for evaluation and shortlisting ends on October 1, 2017. The final selection process will take place during a live panel session in the “Unlocking Solar Capital Africa” conference in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, between October 25 and 26, 2017, where the winner(s) will be announced, the organisation said.