Mbale Solar Now Shop - Stephen Meana demonstrates lamps to potential customer - 2
The Rural Energy Foundation (REF) is a Dutch not-for-profit group that has been working to promote the use of solar energy in rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa where more than 70% of the population lack access to electricity. By developing and training a network of rural entrepreneurs to promote and supply solar energy products, REF has succeeded in stimulating a sustainable supply of and demand for solar energy solutions. As a result, 300,000 people in nine sub-Saharan countries including Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Mozambique and Zambia are enjoying the benefits of a reliable, affordable and clean source of energy. So far 57,000 solar home systems and 36,000 lanterns have been sold through 200 retailers. Kerosene savings of typically one litre per week per household are cutting carbon emissions by approximately 12,000 tonnes per year.
More information and films about this project can be found on our website www.ashdenawards.org/.