Productive Renewable Energy Opportunities (PREO) has announced the recipients of its sixth funding round, awarding £3.7 million in grants to 22 businesses to scale-up their clean tech innovations across sub-Saharan Africa, and helping to enhance livelihoods, increase incomes, and bolster climate resilience. This latest round attracted a record number of 613 eligible applications – roughly a 150% increase on the previous African call and the highest number in PREO’s history. Selected projects span critical sectors, including food value chains, climate-smart water solutions, e-mobility, clean cooking, and digital platforms. Rachel Kyte, the UK Special Representative for Climate noted:
“Through our Powering Renewable Energy Opportunities programme, the UK is backing clean tech innovators across sub-Saharan Africa to provide the clean energy solutions that their communities need. The innovation and creativity of these companies is truly impressive – and this modern, partnership-led approach to climate action is driving green growth and transforming livelihoods across Africa.”
Since 2019, PREO has supported over 60 projects, helping to create more than 650 sustainable jobs, and expand access to productive renewable energy solutions for over 23,000 people. PREO is delivered by the Carbon Trust and Mercy Corps’ Energy 4 Impact, and co-funded by the FCDO and the IKEA Foundation.