FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LONDON November 14, 2023 - In a significant recognition of its innovative efforts in renewable energy, Power for All’s Utilities 2.0 Project has been announced as the winner of the 2023 Ashden Award for Integrated Energy Africa. This accolade is a part of the globally acclaimed Ashden Awards, which acknowledge organizations at the forefront of tackling the world’s most pressing climate challenges.
At the heart of this achievement is Utilities 2.0 pioneering approach to merging centralized grid and decentralized renewable energy sources. This integration has catalyzed a more rapid, cost-effective electrification process, significantly enhancing livelihoods in rural Africa and making strides towards eradicating energy poverty.
The success of this project is attributed to the collaborative efforts of key implementation and other partners, whose combined expertise and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. The synergy among these partners stands as a strong testimony to the power of collective action in addressing complex global issues like climate change and energy access.
During the awards ceremony held at the Royal Geographical Society in London, Power for All and its partners were celebrated for their impactful work, standing out among a diverse group of winners including businesses, non-profits, and local governments.
Kristina Skierka, CEO of Power for All, remarked on this occasion, “This award is a testament to the power of partnership. The project's success in integrating traditional grid and renewable energy solutions is the result of the unwavering dedication and innovative spirit of our partners. Together, we are not just providing energy; we are empowering communities, fostering sustainable development, and setting a precedent for future energy projects in Africa and beyond.”
Ashden CEO Ashok Sinha emphasized the need for robust support from policymakers and investors for groundbreaking solutions like those presented by Power for All. He highlighted the substantial benefits these solutions bring, including economic growth, health improvements, stronger communities, and job creation.
Power for All is deeply honored to receive this prestigious award on behalf of the Utilities 2.0 project, and remains committed to its mission of sustainable, equitable energy access. This recognition by the Ashden Awards not only highlights the effectiveness of Power for All's approach but also underscores the critical need for innovative energy solutions in our collective fight against climate change.
The list of partners that made this project such a success includes government agencies, universities, Uganda’s largest utility, distributed renewable energy providers, NGOs, industry associations, and financing organizations. We thank the implementation partners for making the Utilities 2.0 Project a reality: East Africa Power, Equatorial Power, Energrow, and Umeme; and our other partners for their dedication and commitment to making the project a success: Africa Minigrid Developers Association, CLASP, CrossBoundary, Duke University, Engie, Uganda’s Electricity Regulation Authority, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, Makerere University, Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Nithio, NXT Grid, Open Capital, The Rockefeller Foundation, Rocky Mountain Institute, Uganda Off Grid Energy Market Accelerator, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Zola Electric.
For further information about Power for All’s Utilities 2.0 initiative and its impact, please visit Ashden Awards - Power for All.
About Power for All
Power for All is a 501c3 nonprofit global organization working to end energy poverty by accelerating the adoption of distributed renewable energy (DRE). Powering Agriculture is one of the organization’s multistakeholder campaigns to increase the use of renewable energy across the global food system for a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future. Learn more at powerforall.org.
Media Contacts:
Tony Hynes
Communications Manager