United Nations Foundation launches Sustainable Energy Network of Ghana

The United Nations Foundation has launched Sustainable Energy Network Ghana (SENG), a network, established to support the work of decentralised energy service providers in the country

SENG, which is the first country affiliate of the global Energy Access Practitioner Network, would serve as a platform to influence policy, increase advocacy for renewable energy and strengthen the work of companies and non-profits organisations delivering energy services in off-grid communities.

It would also work to support energy access in Ghana and contribute towards the global goal of achieving universal access to modern energy services by 2030, one of the three objectives of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative led by the United Nations and the World Bank.

Mr Richenda Van Leeuwen, Executive Director for Energy Access at the UN Foundation, said as a country affiliate of the Network, SENG would be part of a global organisation promoting the adoption and use of sustainable energy solutions for electrification.

He said SENG would connect practitioners, giving them the unique opportunities to network and advocate in order to advance their businesses and the sector.

“Connections forged through SENG will help support improved health, education, gender equity, and economic benefits for families across the country,” Mr Van Leeuwen said.

The launch of SENG took place in conjunction with a day’s workshop in Accra, that brought together more than 60 practitioners, investors, and experts representing a variety of predominantly market-led approaches providing decentralised energy services across Ghana.

During the proceedings, participants reviewed Ghana’s Sustainable Energy for All Country Action Plan, highlighted the needs of communities and emerging opportunities in the sector, and discussed ongoing challenges around financing and reaching very low-income and isolated communities sustainably and affordably.

The workshop was organised and sponsored by the UN Foundation, US Department of State, UN Development Programme, the World Future Council and the African Renewable Energy Association.

The US Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Gene A. Cretz, congratulated Ishmael Edjekumhene, Interim Chair of the SENG Secretariat and network members and said the launch, would bring benefits of forging togetherness on issues related to electrification and clean cooking to help bring about universal energy access in Ghana and around the world.