Country and Regional Projects in Africa

In developing African countries and regions, NREL supports initiatives for deploying renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, and advanced grid management technologies and systems.

Algeria

We're partnering with Algeria to provide technical support for development of solar energy standards and a testing and certification program and laboratory in Algeria.

Angola

We supported wind mapping analysis and solar deployment training in Angola. We've also explored opportunities for deeper wind resource data collection and analysis training in partnership with the Government of Angola.

Cape Verde

We provided training on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, assessment methods and tools, and policy solutions and on gender and energy issues.

Ethiopia

We partnered with Ethiopia to assess opportunities and provide training on use of energy efficiency practices, especially for industrial applications.

Gabon

We teamed with the Government of Gabon to support technical assistance in conducting carbon footprint and sustainable return on investment analyses of energy efficiency, infrastructure and economic development projects, and cross-sectoral analysis to understand the emissions impacts of various pathways to economic growth.

Ghana

NREL is partnering with the Government of Ghana, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and other energy institutions to plan and achieve an advanced, flexible, reliable, and cost-effective power system. Specific activities include: analysis and modeling support (e.g,. load flow, forecasting) of large-scale solar and wind systems, grid code assessments, and capacity building to understand grid impacts of distributed generation deployment.

View RE Data Explorer Ghana map.

Kenya

We're working with the Government of Kenya to provide support for the development of a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Master Plan. The plan features design incentives and policies that encourage the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, including assessments of Kenya's ability to expand the integration of renewable energy generation. We're also supporting pilot efforts to overcome barriers to private capital flow and mobilize private investment to implement low emission development priorities in Kenya.

View RE Data Explorer Kenya map.

Malawi

For Malawi's new generation company, we're supporting the design and development of a renewable energy, hybrid microgrid systems for the island of Likoa and a distributed photovoltaic (PV) hybrid systems to electrify hospitals. We're also providing training on wind assessment and evaluating mechanisms for development of the solar home systems market.

Morocco

We're teaming with Morocco to support renewable energy grid integration studies, capacity building, and evaluation of pathways and policies for achieving its renewable energy goals. We may also assist Morocco with analyzing economic development impacts of alternative renewable energy systems and development pathways.

Sierra Leone

We and other partners are providing technical support for evaluation and development of standards for efficient lighting.

South Africa

We're partnering with ESKOM, the government of South Africa, and technical partners to analyze renewable energy grid integration solutions, and regulations and policies to expand renewable energy deployment.

Tanzania

In Tanzania, we're providing technical support on mini-grid quality assurance and design standards, and advising on mini-grid business models to government and private sector partners. NREL staff have also authored and piloted a curriculum for training off-grid solar PV installers.

Zambia

We assisted Zambia with preparing its low emission development strategy and evaluating options for scaling up renewable energy deployment and investment.

Regional Support

NREL provides technical and financial support for several regional programs of the Africa Low Emissions Development Strategies (LEDS) Partnership. This includes communities of practice and technical collaboration across countries on mini-grid development, modeling and implementation of LEDS options, climate smart agricultural measures, clean energy to power crop production, and clean energy investment mobilization. These activities engage practitioners from over 23 African countries.