- Two communities are being connected to reliable electricity through OnePower’s rural electrification programme.
OnePower Benin has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to expand energy access in rural Benin, with utility pole installations completed and electricity infrastructure now taking shape in the communities of Kotokpa and Aglamidjodji.
The project marks the start of a major transformation for the two localities, which have a combined population of around 9,000 residents. As electricity connections are rolled out, the communities are expected to benefit from improved economic activity, enhanced educational opportunities and better living standards.
The development forms part of OnePower Africa’s broader rural electrification programme in Benin, supported by a US$2.9 million financing package for nine solar photovoltaic mini grid sites across the country.
Once fully operational, the mini grids are expected to provide reliable electricity to approximately 4,700 households and businesses located beyond the reach of the national grid.
The projects are being developed by Mionwa Generation SA, a subsidiary of OnePower, and are designed to deliver affordable and sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities.
Financing for the portfolio was provided through a blended structure comprising secured debt and results based grants. The investment was backed by Clean Energy and Energy Inclusion for Africa (CEI Africa) together with the Energise Africa crowdlending platform, helping to accelerate the deployment of off grid renewable energy infrastructure.
Alongside electricity connections, OnePower is implementing its Productive Use of Energy programme to stimulate local economic development. The initiative provides equipment such as milling machines, refrigeration systems and welding tools to support small businesses and increase productive electricity consumption.
The company’s immediate priorities at the new installations include expanding customer connections and deploying generator sets to establish full solar hybrid generation capability, strengthening reliability while supporting long term growth in electricity demand.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
