SNV at the Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo
Join SNV at the upcoming 8th Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo 2024, which will be held from 8 to 10 October at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
Our focus
Central to our mission is the development of inclusive markets for sustainable energy, which empowers communities and fosters equitable livelihoods for all. By applying a market-based approach, we work to increase access to clean cooking, lighting, and heating solutions, while also promoting energy for productive uses. During the event, we will concentrate on the following key topics:
Enhancing renewable energy and energy efficiency in agriculture to improve resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Building resilient livelihoods and improving incomes for all, including young people, women, and disadvantaged groups.
Identifying opportunities to invest and blend traditional funding to catalyse market development and leverage private-sector finance.
SNV's participation at the Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo presents a valuable opportunity to share our experience in the Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) space, particularly within the Agri-food/PURE nexus. Additionally, during the event, we will present our work in the investment continuum, technical assistance for the private sector, and our initiatives in energy for displacement settings.
About the event
This event is co-hosted by GOGLA, the association for the off-grid solar industry, alongside the Government of Kenya and the World Bank’s Lighting Global Programme.
Under the theme "Powering Lives and Energising Potential," the Forum will feature impactful discussions, showcase disruptive technologies, and create opportunities to forge new and innovative partnerships. These efforts aim to drive universal electricity access, build climate resilience, and power agriculture, enterprise, health, and more.
In addition, SNV will attend the Humanitarian Energy Conference (HEC) on 7 October, which precedes the GOGLA event. This conference aims to advance the humanitarian energy agenda by bringing together stakeholders to foster collective action, catalyse political commitments, forge partnerships, and mobilise resources.
Where you'll find us
Our exhibition booth is at A37. In addition to our booth, we will be leading the following side events:
Multi-sector convergences: sustainable solar irrigation solutions
Wednesday, October 09, 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM GMT +3
Lenana, Kenyatta International Conference Centre
Adoption of solar irrigation in agriculture is growing due to lower pump costs, economic incentives, and government initiatives, but uptake remains low. This session will address barriers such as access to information, equipment, finance, and policies while highlighting the interdependencies among the water, agriculture, and energy sectors. It will feature perspectives from various actors on overcoming these challenges to scale solar irrigation sustainably. Learn more here.
Hard Talk: What more is needed to close the financing gaps for locally-led companies?
Thursday, Oct 10, 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM GMT+3
Tsavo C, Kenyatta International Conference Centre
The session is intended to candidly reflect on the need for differentiated investment approaches from early-stage grants to commercial investments targeted at locally-led companies across various markets. The off-grid solar sector has made significant progress; however, navigating the capital spectrum is particularly challenging for locally-led companies. The conversation will explore how actors on the investment continuum, like early-stage grant funders, can take investors along in the company’s journey and vice versa. Learn more here.
Solar irrigation in action
Learn more about using solar-powered energy in the agriculture value chain implemented in the Sustainable Energy for Smallholder farmers project in the following video.
Sustainable Energy Markets
SNV supports the energy transition and SDG7 through its core framework approach, Sustainable Energy Markets. The framework applies a market-based approach to increase access to off-grid electricity, clean cooking and heating, and biodigesters.
Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship
We support young people to unlock their potential and build sustainable careers by connecting them with the right skills, networks, and opportunities for employment and enterprise development.