INDIA: India’s International Solar Alliance (ISA) has announced a significant milestone with the initiation of the first pilot project under its Global Solar Facility (GSF) in collaboration with Nuru, a leading solar power company in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The project aims to develop and construct 15 megawatts of solar metro grid capacity across three provinces in the Eastern Congo, providing power to around 5 million people.
Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, emphasized the transformative potential of Nuru’s approach, stating that less than 20% of the DRC’s population has access to energy, and with a rising energy demand projected for the future, Nuru’s innovative approach to renewable energy access unlocks the immense market potential across the country. The company will be installing a series of mini-grids that will power around 5 million people. Towards this, the GSF is providing insurance capital to the company, which will be bought from MIGA, contributing significantly to the viability of the project.
The ISA, through its GSF, is supporting Nuru by partnering with the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) of the World Bank Group. This collaboration, announced at the G20-Clean Energy Ministerial meeting in Goa in July 2023, is dedicated to promoting new investment in solar power generation to increase access and boost energy security, especially in countries with the greatest needs.
Jonathan Shaw, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Nuru expressed his enthusiasm, stating that Nuru is delighted to be implementing the first project to receive International Solar Alliance support. The ISA provides critical and catalytic support to ensure that they can manage complex risks in the places they work while also maintaining affordable pricing for their clients.
Nuru’s plan includes the deployment of an additional 39 MW in subsequent phases, with the anticipation of providing power to up to 5 million people by 2025. In a country where only 19% of the population has access to electricity, Nuru’s innovative approach, supported by ISA’s GSF, holds immense promise for fostering climate resilience and sustainable development.
The GSF aims to catalyze solar investments in underserved segments and geographies across Africa, unlocking commercial capital in the process. After Africa, the GSF plans to expand its reach to regions such as Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, tailoring Regional Facilities to meet specific requirements. The GSF envisions investments in innovative technologies, support for startups, and exploration of emerging solar energy sectors in its mission to enhance solar energy efficiency globally.
The International Solar Alliance’s Global Solar Facility is a crucial mechanism for the urgent need for universal energy access and a clean energy transition. The ISA’s collaboration with Nuru and MIGA in the DRC is a significant step towards achieving this goal and unlocking the immense market potential across the country.
 has announced the initiation of the first pilot project under its Global Solar Facility (GSF) in collaboration with Nuru, a leading solar power company in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The project aims to develop and construct 15 megawatts of solar metro grid capacity across three provinces in the Eastern Congo, providing power to around 5 million people. The ISA is supporting Nuru by partnering with the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) of the World Bank Group, contributing significantly to the viability of the project.){kind=link}