A severe power shortage across Africa forces residents to rely on coal, oil and traditional biomass such as wood and charcoal for energy. But these cause environmental and health damages. The lack of reliable power also affects their incomes, resulting in negative outcomes for families. An investment through Mercy Investment Services’ Environmental Solutions Fund is bringing renewable energy to countries in Africa.
Mainstream Renewable Power Asset Management (MRPAH), via its investment in Lekela Power, is developing, constructing, and operating solar and wind projects that provide clean, reliable energy for almost 700,000 homes in South Africa. Currently, seven operational projects in South Africa, Senegal and Egypt are generating 1,020 megawatts of power. MRPAH, via Lekela, has several more projects in development, including in Egypt and Ghana.
One project, the Taiba N’Diaye wind farm, the first in Senegal and the largest in west Africa, provides affordable, reliable, clean power for more than 2 million people. During construction, it employed 600 local residents. Lekela recently signed a grant agreement with the United States International Development Finance Corporation to fund a feasibility study for an extension of the farm. Watch this short video to learn more about the project.
MRPAH is one of more than 30 investments through Mercy Investment Services’ Environmental Solutions Fund. Learn more about the impact of these investments.