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Invitation to Tender for Evaluating Early-Stage Support in Energy Access

Energy Saving Trust invites proposals to assess the impact of early-stage support mechanisms on the growth and sustainability of renewable energy companies. Submit your proposal today!

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Energy Saving Trust, co-Secretariat of Efficiency for Access, is seeking consultancy support to evaluate the impact of early-stage grants and technical assistance on the growth and sustainability of Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) companies in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This research will provide actionable insights for grant providers, donors and investors, helping to optimise funding strategies and enhance the commercial performance and impact of PURE companies in sectors such as agro-processing, cooling, and irrigation.

Submit your proposal by Thursday 6 March 2025.

About the project

This project aims to map financial flows in the sector, identifying trends, funding gaps, and how early-stage support mechanisms influence company journeys. Through detailed case studies, the research will explore the factors that drive growth, profitability, and successful debt or equity fundraising for PURE companies.

The findings will offer practical insights for grant providers, donors, and investors, enabling them to enhance funding strategies and improve support ecosystems. By addressing critical challenges such as the coordination of resources and inclusivity in support mechanisms, the project seeks to empower smaller companies to scale effectively and sustainably.

The research builds on the work of the CROWD working group, a collaborative platform uniting stakeholders, including grant and technical assistance providers, to improve coordination and effectiveness in supporting Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) companies. It also uses insights from other initiatives, integrating data from multiple stakeholders to create a more coordinated and impactful early-stage support ecosystem. The findings will help funders to maximise their impact, while advancing the PURE sector’s role in driving a just and inclusive energy transition.

Objectives and scope of work

The consultancy will deliver a comprehensive evaluation to assess the impact of early-stage support mechanisms for Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) companies. The scope of work includes the following key deliverables:

  • Produce an inception report: Outline background, methodology, proposed typologies, and identify data gaps.
  • Develop an external report covering:
    • Mapping of early-stage financial flows across key PURE sectors
    • Analysis of company funding pathways and business performance
    • Development of case studies showcasing funding journeys and success factors
    • Provision of actionable insights and recommendations for grant and technical assistance providers, donors, and investors to enhance support for PURE companies
  • Report review and finalisation: Internal and external review process to refine findings.
  • Dissemination of findings: Support targeted dissemination to key stakeholders, led by Energy Saving Trust.

Find out more and submit your proposal.

For further information, please submit your questions via the Q&A section of the application portal by Thursday 13 February.