The first in-person training of the Policy Catalyst Effective Renewable Energy Tendering Window brought 62 delegates from 12 African nations together in Cape Town to dive into the tools and knowledge needed to successfully design and implement renewable energy auctions.
Representing Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, The Gambia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, the public sector stakeholders delved into case studies and best practices, exchanging experiences on risk management, off-taker sustainability, and how auctions can effectively scale solar and wind energy at competitive prices. Further highlights from the training included country action plan drafting, and a site visit to ESKOM’s utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System—the first of its kind in Africa.
The Effective RE Tendering Window is a joint initiative by GET.transform, the Power Futures Lab, the Sustainable Risk Mitigation Initiative (SRMI) of the World Bank’s ESMAP programme and IRENA, and aims to enhance power procurement capabilities to pave the way for greater private sector involvement.
Over nine months, the public sector stakeholders participate in hybrid and in-person training sessions. These workshops combine technical expertise with hands-on learning to address key challenges in tendering for renewable energy projects, such as risk allocation, project financing, site selection, and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) negotiations.
The innovative approach ensures that participants, including representatives from ministries, regulatory authorities, and utilities, not only enhance their technical skills but also engage in peer learning and cross-country collaboration.
With Africa’s energy transition gaining momentum, this initiative marks a significant step toward realising the continent’s clean energy ambitions.
