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OFF- GRID Solar home systems and efficient appliances connecting homes and businesses to the grid.
are keeping the lights on in health centres, Huart has been with the company since
Global sales of solar home powering local businesses and helping families 2017, initially in economic modelling, then
stay connected and informed.
as managing director of its sustainability
systems fell 26% in the with resilience and innovation and its solutions organisation for Europe, the Middle
The industry has met this year’s challenges
East, Africa and India.
first half of 2020, curbing development partners have united behind for Belgian energy engineering consultancy
He is an industry veteran who has worked
relief efforts. Governments have recognised
the sector’s record- the ‘essential role’ the industry plays in Tractebel, Engie-owned Red Engineering
providing energy access, while investors
in London, Al Suwadi Power in Oman, Ras
breaking growth. remain optimistic about its impact and Girtas Power in Oman, Meenakshi Energy in
India, and various legacy companies which
potential.
Off-grid solar energy industry body GOGLA GOGLA said that with the right regulatory are now owned by Engie, including Belgium’s
and the World Bank Group’s Global Off-Grid and financial support, the off-grid solar sector Electrabel. He began his career at Accenture.
Solar Market Report, published this week, can quickly regain the momentum seen in “Over 600 million people in sub-Saharan
found that the worst affected region was South 2019 and play a vital role in the post pandemic Africa lack access to electricity and we have an
Asia, which saw a 60% drop compared to the recovery - unlocking economic activity, important role to play in addressing this gap,”
first half of 2019. East Africa reported a dip of generating green jobs and boosting resilience said Huart.
11%, while sales in West and Central Africa for millions of people around the world. The Access to Energy project was
remained relatively stable. GOGLA launched two years ago with the dual aims
Efficient appliances were also affected. Sales of electrifying communities in Africa and
of fans saw the largest absolute decline while growing the company’s business on the
solar water pumps and refrigeration units also APPOINTMENTS continent, in particular through solar home
saw a halt in growth. Compared with the first systems and mini grids. It offers those on
half of 2019, TV sales were stable. Companies Engie appoints leader for a pay-as-you-go basis in Uganda, Zambia,
indicated that this may be due to customers’ Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Nigeria, Benin,
demand for entertainment and information Africa-focused electricity Ivory Coast and Mozambique, having
during lockdowns. consolidated three subsidiary companies,
This overall decline in sales led to an business Fenix International, Engie Mobisol and Engie
estimated 5 million people missing the PowerCorner under the Engie Energy Access
opportunity to benefit from clean, safe solar French electricity provider Engie has brand.
electricity in their homes and businesses. appointed Gillian-Alexandre Huart as head ENGIE
Despite the falling sales, the off-grid solar of its Access to Energy business in Africa,
sector is still playing an essential role in through which he will lead the company’s
the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. efforts in maintaining its market position and

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