EDP opens calls for funding for renewable energy access projects in five African countries
The A2E Fund is once again making one million euros available to support projects that contribute to energy inclusion in disadvantaged communities in Africa. The application phase for this 6th edition runs until 29 May.
EDP is launching another edition of the A2E (Access to Energy) CSR Fund this week, through which it selects and finances the best projects for access to renewable energy in communities in African countries. Organisations interested in presenting projects that contribute to the promotion of clean energy and energy inclusion can apply from this Monday, April 29, until the end of May.
With a total budget of one million euros, the A2E Fund aims to finance projects in five countries - Mozambique, Nigeria, Malawi, Kenya and Rwanda - where there are still high levels of energy exclusion. EDP thus aims to support sustainable energy solutions that contribute to a just and inclusive transition in communities in the most isolated and vulnerable regions.
After five editions and 3.5 million euros in funding, the 38 projects supported by the A2E CSR Fund have already directly and indirectly benefited the lives of almost 3 million people in seven African countries. This support is particularly important in Africa, which is estimated to represent more than 80% of the world's population still without access to electricity.
"In building a fairer and more sustainable future, every investment counts. By renewing our support for clean energy access projects in the most vulnerable and isolated communities, through this new edition of the A2E Fund, we are not just financing energy projects - we are promoting change with a positive impact," explains Vera Pinto Pereira, executive board member of EDP and president of the EDP Foundation. "This is our commitment and a vote of confidence in those who, like us, work with the ambition of providing a fair, inclusive energy transition in which everyone can have the opportunity to change their lives."
As in previous editions, the A2E Fund is once again focusing on five priority areas - education, health, water, community and business - and values assessment criteria such as social impact, partnerships, sustainability, potential for expansion or technical and financial viability. The projects to be funded may involve solutions that, for example, bring electricity and drinking water to schools and medical centres, power irrigation systems for agricultural fields and refrigeration equipment for small businesses, or support the work of artisans.
Despite the differences, all these projects share the same ambition and positive impact: to improve the quality of life of these small communities and boost their social, economic and environmental progress. Thus, EDP is continuing the programme started in 2018 to support clean and sustainable energy projects in emerging countries. This is one of the focuses of the group's social impact programme, EDP Y.E.S. - You Empower Society, which helps bring energy to those who don't have it.
The projects selected in the last five editions of the fund can be consulted in the Access to Energy area on EDP's website.
In this new edition, entities will be able to apply for financial support of between 50,000 and 150,000 euros for each project - the fund guarantees up to 75% of the actual total costs of the project (in the case of non-profit organisations) and up to 50% of the costs for other for-profit entities. Applications can be submitted until 29 May, followed by an evaluation and pre-selection phase in the following months. The selection of the winning projects will be announced in the last quarter of this year.
The regulations and application form for the 6th edition of the A2E Fund can be found here.
A2E CSR FUND – 6th edition
- Application deadlines: 29 April to 29 May
- Where to apply: https://www.edp.com/en/edp-yes/access-energy-6th-edition
- Eligible entities: organisations from any sector or geography with renewable energy access projects to develop in 5 countries - Mozambique, Nigeria, Malawi, Kenya and Rwanda
- Intervention areas: education, health, business, community and water
- To find out more about EDP's A2E initiatives, visit the EDP Y.E.S. website