SNV at the International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition
The International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition (IOREC) is IRENA’s flagship event, providing a global platform to exchange experiences and best practices on technology, policy, regulation, and financing for off-grid renewable energy solutions. The conference highlights the sector’s critical role in achieving climate and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The upcoming sixth edition of the event will take place in Gaborone, Botswana, from 24-28 February, 2025, as part of the 2024 South African Development Community (SADC) Sustainable Energy Week. Hosted by the Government of Botswana, the event is organised by IRENA in partnership with the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) as the exclusive industry partner, with additional support from the SADC Secretariat, SACREEE, and technical partners.
This year’s theme, "Translating commitments to actions: Off-grid renewables for socioeconomic development and climate action," will bring together officials, experts, and practitioners from across the globe. Discussions will focus on policies, financing mechanisms, innovative business models, and technology applications to scale up off-grid renewable energy. Emphasis will be placed on the nexus between energy access and key development priorities such as agriculture, food security, and healthcare.
SNV will contribute to the discussions by hosting and participating in key sessions during the event:
Energy for development: The critical role of off-grid renewables in empowering lives and livelihoods
This high-level panel will bring together esteemed speakers from different sectors and institutions to discuss the transformative potential of off-grid renewable energy solutions in achieving the SDGs, particularly for remote and underserved communities. The session will highlight the critical role of off-grid renewables in supporting social infrastructure, such as healthcare and education, and productive uses of energy (PUE) in agriculture and other commercial sectors. The discussion will feature insights into successful case studies, projects, innovative technologies, and collaborative approaches that have effectively addressed energy poverty and enhanced socioeconomic development.
When: 25 February, 13:45 to 15:00 (CAT)
Where: Tsodilo Suite, The Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC)
Accelerating renewable energy-based clean cooking
(Deep-dive session 1)
This session will include a moderated panel discussion focusing on the opportunities for improving renewables-based clean cooking solutions, with a specific focus on bioenergy. The discussion will cover the positioning of bioenergy in modern cooking energy narratives and policy, important barriers to overcome, and the partnerships required to advance this agenda. Participants will include the private sector, policymakers, international organisations, researchers and financiers working to increase the viability, adoption and sustainability of bioenergy solutions.
Jointly hosted by IRENA, SNV and CIFOR-ICRAF
When: 26 February, 9:30 - 10:45 (CAT)
Where: Okavango Suite A, The Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC)
