The Global LEAP Awards COVID-19 Update
To mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the off-grid solar sector, the Global LEAP Awards team has been working closely with stakeholders to support companies participating in our competitions and results-based financing programs.
Global and regional markets are experiencing unanticipated operational challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic creates health and economic shocks worldwide. To mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the off-grid solar sector, the Global LEAP Awards team has been working closely with stakeholders to support companies participating in our competitions and results-based financing programs.
The inaugural Global LEAP Awards Electric Pressure Cooker Competition officially closed the nomination period on 27 March, but offered extensions through 17 April for companies facing operational challenges related to the pandemic. The Global LEAP Awards was impressed with the quality and diversity of Electric Pressure Cooker Competition nominations, receiving 39 product nominations from 14 companies spanning 8 countries.
Currently, all phases of the competition, including product testing, are moving forward with flexibility for real time adjustments as needed by the companies. The Awards team is working directly with all companies to provide support and ensure continued participation in the Competition amidst the pandemic challenges. Winners will be announced in October 2020.
The Global LEAP Awards has converted $350,000 USD of total incentives for Global LEAP Results-Based Financing, provided by USAID through the Powering Agriculture Energy Grand Challenge, into grant funding to support companies intending to sell energy-efficient solar water pumps. This disbursement of funds will no longer be tied to eventual product sales, companies will instead receive all allocated funding upfront to support their working capital needs.
Over the past month, the Solar E-Waste Challenge team has reached out to all first round Awardees to receive insights on the impact of COVID-19 on their projects. To accommodate unexpected challenges, the Challenge will adjust individual projects milestones and delivery dates. The second round of the Challenge may be delayed to start in July or August, rather than May 2020.
For additional resources and up-to-date information on COVID-19 and how to deal with the impact on the industry, check out GOGLA’s Resource Center, the Power for All COVID-19 Round-Up, and follow the Efficiency for Access Coalition on Twitter.
Please reach out to the Global LEAP Awards with any questions or concerns: info@globalleapawards.org