IKEA Foundation joins Efficiency for Access Coalition to accelerate renewable energy access for all
IKEA Foundation has joined the Coalition with a €5 million grant contribution to promote renewable energy efficiency as a driver for universal access
NAIROBI (February 20, 2020) – Efficiency for Access has announced that the IKEA Foundation has joined the Coalition with a €5 million grant contribution. The three-year grant will promote renewable energy efficiency as a driver for universal access. It will help 225,000 people improve the productivity of their small agricultural businesses through access to energy-efficient solar-powered equipment, aiming to increase their household income by at least 15% and reduce carbon emissions by 40%.
Globally, about 840 million people live without access to modern, affordable and reliable energy. Although emerging off-grid solar solutions are addressing this challenge, by delivering basic energy services to millions of households and small businesses, more needs to be done to fully unlock renewable energy’s potential for development.
The Efficiency for Access Coalition is working to close the access gap by scaling up programmes that accelerate the use of energy-efficient appliances in off- and weak-grid communities. These programmes will drive markets for super-efficient technologies, support innovation, improve sector coordination, and contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 – access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
“We are so enthusiastic that the Efficiency for Access Coalition is growing and will scale proven solutions that address barriers to market growth, like affordability and consumer awareness,” said Christin Egan, CEO of CLASP, co-Secretariat of the Coalition alongside the UK’s Energy Saving Trust. “This will help the sector bring high-performing, appropriately designed appliances to more energy-poor households and communities worldwide, including those most vulnerable. Support from the IKEA Foundation will also enable the Coalition to engage in new, focused partnerships that leverage unique strengths and amplify reach and impact.”
With the IKEA Foundation’s support, the Efficiency for Access Coalition will test, share knowledge and stimulate the scale-up of efficient appliances and machines that easily run on solar energy. The combination of efficiency and solar should, in the end, make work on the farm easier and help small businesses to grow in rural, impoverished areas. IKEA Foundation funding will enable the Efficiency for Access Coalition to develop an impact assessment framework for off-grid productive use appliances and conduct research and field testing on award-winning solar water pumps and refrigerators. It will also support the launch of a first-of-its-kind consumer awareness campaign for solar water pumps in Kenya.
Jeffrey Prins, Head of Portfolio (Renewable Energy) at IKEA Foundation, said: “We are excited to join forces with the Efficiency for Access Coalition. We believe it is an effective way for the IKEA Foundation to work together with other partners and investors to make renewable energy more accessible to many communities more quickly, reducing carbon emissions and improving livelihoods for people living in poverty.”
For more information, visit https://efficiencyforaccess.org/about-the-coalition.
About Efficiency for Access
Efficiency for Access is a global coalition promoting energy efficiency as a potent catalyst in clean energy access efforts. Coalition programmes aim to scale up markets and reduce prices for super-efficient, off-and weak-grid appropriate products, support technological innovation, and improve sector coordination. Current Efficiency for Access Coalition members lead 12 programmes and initiatives spanning three continents, 44 countries, and 22 technologies. Learn more at www.efficiencyforaccess.org.
About IKEA Foundation
The IKEA Foundation (Stichting IKEA Foundation) works to create a better everyday life for the many people. As the philanthropic arm of INGKA Foundation, the owner of the Ingka Group of companies, we focus on improving the lives of vulnerable children by enabling their families to create sustainable livelihoods, and to fight and cope with climate change. Learn more at www.IKEAfoundation.org