During the Facility project selection period (2013 – 2020), IRENA received and reviewed each year around 80 to 100 applications for funding. ADFD selected 32 of these projects, of which 26 successfully met their funding criteria1. ADFD made USD 350 million available in concessional loans to the selected projects over all seven cycles. USD 302 million was allocated to the 26 projects, helping to mobilise a further USD 567 million in co-financing from other sources including governments, private sector and other development funds.
As of 2024, the IRENA-ADFD Portfolio includes 19 active projects. Of these, 6 projects have been successfully completed, one is nearing its Commercial Operation Date (COD), and 8 are progressing towards or are currently under construction. Four projects are undergoing re-negotiation due to significant changes in scope or co-financing modalities. The remaining seven projects are in countries where economic difficulties, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, prevented the governments from securing the necessary co-financing. After four years, those loan agreements have expired; however, the country was invited to submit their project under the ETAF Platform.
SH Completed Projects
-
Maldives
Islands Waste to Energy Project
Small-scale waste to energy plants with integrated desalination plants will bring clean electricity and approximately 550,000 litres of drinking water per year to three island areas. This project will provide a much-needed integrated waste-management solution as well as improving local air quality and reducing marine pollution.
-
Togo
Blitta 30 MW Solar Plant
The Togolese Rural Electrification and Renewable Energies Agency will construct a 30 MW grid-connected solar PV plant that will improve energy security and bring clean, reliable power to around 700,000 households and small businesses. Local communities will benefit from greater access to drinking water, education and healthcare as well as job creation that prioritises women.
-
Sierra Leone
Freetown Solar Park
A grid-connected solar PV plant will produce affordable electricity for more than 15,000 people near the capital of Freetown. The project supports the capital's grid expansion plans and local communities will benefit from improved access to education, healthcare and internet.
-
Seychelles
Ile de Romainville Solar Park
A solar PV plant will be integrated into an existing wind farm, demonstrating an innovative space-saving solution for the island. The project is expected to benefit the entire population, particularly impacting low income households by making energy more affordable and accessible. 300 local jobs will be created and reliance on imported fossil fuels will be significantly reduced.
-
Maldives
Waste to Energy Project in Addu City
The waste to energy facility will aim to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions through the generation of electricity and water from waste. The project will impact the entire population of Addu City, approximately 35,000 people, and will lead to savings of USD 1.4 million on fossil fuel importing annually. This is the second project from Maldives submitted by the Ministry of Environment, that has been selected for funding by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development through the IRENA/ADFD Facility with the project from the first cycle beginning to generate electricity in 2019.
-
Cuba
Solar PV farms with battery storage in Isla de la Juventud
Four solar plants with battery storage systems will be implemented in the island of Isla de la Juventud to serve as a source of clean energy generation for 32,300 people as well as enabling savings of USD 2.4 million annually on the costs associated with the import of fossil fuels. The Cuban utility company that has put forward this project for funding, Unión Electrica has achieved great success in delivering the project that was selected in the first cycle of the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility and have devised a cost and time effective blueprint, consisting of recruiting local developers and consultants, that will be valuable to the implementation of this project.
-
Antigua and Barbuda
Transformation and Resilience Building of the Water Sector - Phase 2
This project is the second phase of a hybrid solar and wind project, submitted by the Department of the Environment of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, that was selected in the third cycle. The technology and equipment that will be installed to deliver reliable and affordable energy to more than 5,500 households, has been designed to withstand major hurricanes and storms. The utilization of lessons learned from the first phase of the project is expected to boost the implementation pace of this second phase. The project will lead to reductions of 18.4 million litres in fossil fuel consumption annually in addition to cutting down greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 64,685 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
-
Burkina Faso
Community Solar Energy Platform in Burkina Faso test
This locally developed solar PV project is supported by the Burkina Rural Electrification Agency (Agence Burkinabé de l'Electrification Rurale - ABER) and is the second project from private developer Sahelia Solar, to be awarded funding through the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility. The mini-grids will provide modern electricity services to 150 villages in Burkina Faso. In addition to providing efficient agro-processing facilities, the project will enable electricity connection for 2,000 micro-businesses and 5,000 households, benefitting a total of 35,000 people.
-
Chad
Electrification of Six Cities with Solar PV Systems
The Ministry of Petroleum, Mines and Energy will oversee the installation of solar PV systems with lithium-ion battery storage as backup, across six cities in the Republic of Chad. The government backed project will have an impact on 215,000 people, reduce fossil fuel consumption by 5.4 million litres annually and galvanize the local economy by facilitating the creation of an estimated 25,000 jobs.
-
Nepal
Promotion of Large Biogas in Nepal through Public-Private Partnership
This government driven initiative, led by the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre of Nepal, will implement over 350 large biogas digesters throughout the country that will convert organic waste into renewable natural gas. The project will create approximately 1,200 direct and indirect jobs throughout its lifespan as well as benefitting 500 small and medium scale industries and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 200,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
-
Saint Lucia
Troumassee Solar and Battery Storage Project
This national priority solar PV with battery storage project, put forward by the St. Lucia Electricity Services (LUCELEC), is a key step in following the National Energy Transition Strategy (NETS) jointly developed by the Government of Saint Lucia and LUCELEC. The project is expected to benefit the entire population, an estimated 179,000 people, while cutting down greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 14,890 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
-
Saint Lucia
Troumassee Solar and Battery Storage Project
This national priority solar PV with battery storage project, put forward by the St. Lucia Electricity Services (LUCELEC), is a key step in following the National Energy Transition Strategy (NETS) jointly developed by the Government of Saint Lucia and LUCELEC. The project is expected to benefit the entire population, an estimated 179,000 people, while cutting down greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 14,890 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
-
Guyana
Hinterland Electrification Programme
This project, put forward by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will install grid-connected solar PV systems in the hinterland regions to reduce fossil fuel consumption and increase the reliability of electricity supply. An estimated 34,700 people in the target areas will benefit and around 120 direct and indirect jobs are set to be created throughout the project lifecycle.
-
Liberia
River Gee Mini-Hydropower Project
The Rural & Renewable Energy Agency in Liberia will develop a mini-hydro project to provide affordable, sustainable electricity to communities in the River Gee County. The project will directly contribute to achieving the national rural electrification goal of 35% by 2030 and will have a direct, transformative impact on the livelihoods of 30,000 people.
-
Mauritius
Deployment of 10000 Solar PV Kits to low income communities
This project, put forward by the Central Electricity Board will install grid-tied solar PV systems on the rooftops of low-income households. An estimated 30,000 people will benefit from the jobs created, significant electricity bill savings, and wider improvements in energy security of the country. Watch how the project will impact the island as a whole and is already benefitting households.
-
Rwanda
Ignite Rwanda
This project is a joint venture between Ignite Power and Government of Rwanda to distribute and install 500,000 solar home systems through an affordable payment scheme. An estimated 2.5 million people will benefit from health and education improvements, access to financial services and over 2,000 local job opportunities, half of which will be for women.
-
Niger
Rural electrification in 100 villages of Niger
This project will install solar PV mini-grids and individual solar home systems in 100 isolated villages. This project will not only enhance energy access for rural communities but will create thousands of jobs, boosting the local economy and encouraging the development of small businesses.
-
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Renewable/Hybrid Microgrid Portfolio
Solar PV mini-grids with advanced lithium-ion battery storage will be constructed on four islands. Over 16,000 people will gain access to affordable renewable energy, reducing diesel generation and encouraging economic growth. An innovative rainwater harvesting system is also proposed for one of the solar PV arrays that will provide fresh water to 15,000 people.
-
Solomon Islands
Tina River Hydro Power Project
A 20 MW hydropower plant will reduce the country’s dependence on expensive imported diesel and provide affordable and reliable renewable electricity to 5,000 people. The project will stimulate a considerable amount of local employment and has encouraged the participation of a wide range of community groups during the preparatory stages.
-
Antigua and Barbuda
Transformation and Resilience Building of the Water Sector test
A hybrid solar PV and wind project will generate renewable energy for desalination plants, part of a wider government driven scheme to transform the water sector of Antigua and Barbuda. Hospitals and community clinics will be supported with back-up power through the provision of batteries, which will improve resilience during droughts and storms. Watch how the project is already benefitting a school and its students.
-
Burkina Faso
Rural Electrification Project
This project will benefit 42 rural villages, including over 12,400 households, businesses, health and education facilities and community centres, with mini-grids and solar home system technologies. Access to reliable electricity will improve living standards, support income generating activities and improve access to education and health services.
-
Cabo Verde
100% Renewable Energy Island Solution
A hybrid wind and solar PV project will provide a 100% renewable energy solution for the Island of Brava. Communities will benefit from affordable and reliable electricity as well as new job opportunities. Local desalination plants will provide approximately 500,000 litres of fresh water per day for the entire population.
-
Senegal
Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification
A solar mini-grid project will provide clean and affordable electricity to 100 remote rural villages, reducing dependence on diesel generation. Medical facilities and schools will benefit from a stable electricity supply as well as improved indoor air quality through the replacement of traditional fuels.
-
Argentina
Nahueve Hydropower Project
A small hydropower project will provide a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to diesel fuel in the rural area of Nahueve. The project will develop irrigation systems for agricultural land and provide the local population with clean drinking water.
-
Cuba
Grid connected Solar PV Project
Four solar PV parks were installed and fully commissioned in May 2019. The generation from these parks equals the annual electricity consumption of 6,500 homes. As a result of savings from lower solar PV costs and working with local expertise to execute the installations, a saving of ~ USD 5 million was attained and is being put into an additional 5 MW of capacity. 230 persons were employed during construction and 50 persons will be involved in for operations and maintenance. Watch how the project is contributing to the government’s climate goals and building local capacity and please see the press release about the inauguration of the project in July 2019.
-
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Meshkinshahr Geothermal Project
This geothermal first-of-its-kind project will add 5 MW of baseload capacity to the national grid and will supply clean, affordable energy to approximately 17,000 households. Additionally, the project is expected to provide power for local heating, fish farming and greenhouses.
-
Mauritania
Wide Scale Rural Electrification Project
This project combines solar PV, wind turbines and a hydroelectric network in nine areas of Mauritania to supply sustainable power to over 200,000 people in 165 rural communities. The impact of the project will be particularly significant in the coastal region, where fishing villages will have access to reliable electricity for desalination and production of ice to keep fishery products fresh.
-
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
La Soufriere Geothermal Energy Project
This project in the volcanic region of La Soufriere will help the country shift from imported diesel to locally generated geothermal energy resulting in significant electricity cost reductions. It will provide a sustainable supply of baseload power, increasing the share of renewable energy in the grid to 75% and significantly improving the reliability of electricity generation for the entire population.
-
Ecuador
Tigreurco Small Hydropower Project
A small hydropower plant in the village of Tigreurco will provide electricity to over 12,000 rural households, improving electricity access in the region. It will power local schools, community centres and a new medical facility. Reliable power supply will stimulate small businesses in the area and facilitate economic growth.
-
Mali
Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Rural Electrification
This rural electrification project, based on decentralised solar PV mini-grid systems, will provide clean energy to 32 villages. The provision of clean, reliable electricity for healthcare and education will positively impact over 120,000 people in rural communities. Electricity provided for water pumps, agricultural processing machines, and other industrial equipment will enable local people to generate income and provide opportunities for economic growth. Watch how the project will impact rural communities and benefit small businesses.
-
Mauritania
Electrification Project by Wind Power
18 small scale wind turbines will provide electricity to four coastal villages, which are not presently connected to the national electricity and water distribution networks. The project will power households, schools and healthcare facilities, improving access to basic services for over 8,000 people. In addition, each community will benefit from two desalination units and an ice-making plant, particularly supporting the local fishermen.
-
Samoa
Samoa Bioenergy for Electricity Generation
Bioenergy plants powered by woody biomass and coconut residues will bring clean electricity to two islands of Upolu and Savai. Local coconut collectors and producers of copra will benefit from a steady source of income, while farmers will develop sustainable harvesting practices.
-
Antigua and Barbuda
Transformation and Resilience Building of the Water Sector - Phase 2
This project is the second phase of a hybrid solar and wind project, submitted by the Department of the Environment of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, that was selected in the third cycle. The technology and equipment that will be installed to deliver reliable and affordable energy to more than 5,500 households, has been designed to withstand major hurricanes and storms. The utilization of lessons learned from the first phase of the project is expected to boost the implementation pace of this second phase. The project will lead to reductions of 18.4 million litres in fossil fuel consumption annually in addition to cutting down greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 64,685 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
-
Burkina Faso
Community Solar Energy Platform in Burkina Faso test
This locally developed solar PV project is supported by the Burkina Rural Electrification Agency (Agence Burkinabé de l'Electrification Rurale - ABER) and is the second project from private developer Sahelia Solar, to be awarded funding through the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility. The mini-grids will provide modern electricity services to 150 villages in Burkina Faso. In addition to providing efficient agro-processing facilities, the project will enable electricity connection for 2,000 micro-businesses and 5,000 households, benefitting a total of 35,000 people.
-
Chad
Electrification of Six Cities with Solar PV Systems
The Ministry of Petroleum, Mines and Energy will oversee the installation of solar PV systems with lithium-ion battery storage as backup, across six cities in the Republic of Chad. The government backed project will have an impact on 215,000 people, reduce fossil fuel consumption by 5.4 million litres annually and galvanize the local economy by facilitating the creation of an estimated 25,000 jobs.
-
Cuba
Solar PV farms with battery storage in Isla de la Juventud
Four solar plants with battery storage systems will be implemented in the island of Isla de la Juventud to serve as a source of clean energy generation for 32,300 people as well as enabling savings of USD 2.4 million annually on the costs associated with the import of fossil fuels. The Cuban utility company that has put forward this project for funding, Unión Electrica has achieved great success in delivering the project that was selected in the first cycle of the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility and have devised a cost and time effective blueprint, consisting of recruiting local developers and consultants, that will be valuable to the implementation of this project.
-
Maldives
Waste to Energy Project in Addu City
The waste to energy facility will aim to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions through the generation of electricity and water from waste. The project will impact the entire population of Addu City, approximately 35,000 people, and will lead to savings of USD 1.4 million on fossil fuel importing annually. This is the second project from Maldives submitted by the Ministry of Environment, that has been selected for funding by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development through the IRENA/ADFD Facility with the project from the first cycle beginning to generate electricity in 2019.
-
Nepal
Promotion of Large Biogas in Nepal through Public-Private Partnership
This government driven initiative, led by the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre of Nepal, will implement over 350 large biogas digesters throughout the country that will convert organic waste into renewable natural gas. The project will create approximately 1,200 direct and indirect jobs throughout its lifespan as well as benefitting 500 small and medium scale industries and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 200,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
-
Saint Lucia
Troumassee Solar and Battery Storage Project
This national priority solar PV with battery storage project, put forward by the St. Lucia Electricity Services (LUCELEC), is a key step in following the National Energy Transition Strategy (NETS) jointly developed by the Government of Saint Lucia and LUCELEC. The project is expected to benefit the entire population, an estimated 179,000 people, while cutting down greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 14,890 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
-
Saint Lucia
Troumassee Solar and Battery Storage Project
This national priority solar PV with battery storage project, put forward by the St. Lucia Electricity Services (LUCELEC), is a key step in following the National Energy Transition Strategy (NETS) jointly developed by the Government of Saint Lucia and LUCELEC. The project is expected to benefit the entire population, an estimated 179,000 people, while cutting down greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 14,890 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
-
Guyana
Hinterland Electrification Programme
This project, put forward by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will install grid-connected solar PV systems in the hinterland regions to reduce fossil fuel consumption and increase the reliability of electricity supply. An estimated 34,700 people in the target areas will benefit and around 120 direct and indirect jobs are set to be created throughout the project lifecycle.
-
Liberia
River Gee Mini-Hydropower Project
The Rural & Renewable Energy Agency in Liberia will develop a mini-hydro project to provide affordable, sustainable electricity to communities in the River Gee County. The project will directly contribute to achieving the national rural electrification goal of 35% by 2030 and will have a direct, transformative impact on the livelihoods of 30,000 people.
-
Togo
Blitta 30 MW Solar Plant
The Togolese Rural Electrification and Renewable Energies Agency will construct a 30 MW grid-connected solar PV plant that will improve energy security and bring clean, reliable power to around 700,000 households and small businesses. Local communities will benefit from greater access to drinking water, education and healthcare as well as job creation that prioritises women.
-
Mauritius
Deployment of 10000 Solar PV Kits to low income communities
This project, put forward by the Central Electricity Board will install grid-tied solar PV systems on the rooftops of low-income households. An estimated 30,000 people will benefit from the jobs created, significant electricity bill savings, and wider improvements in energy security of the country. Watch how the project will impact the island as a whole and is already benefitting households.
-
Rwanda
Ignite Rwanda
This project is a joint venture between Ignite Power and Government of Rwanda to distribute and install 500,000 solar home systems through an affordable payment scheme. An estimated 2.5 million people will benefit from health and education improvements, access to financial services and over 2,000 local job opportunities, half of which will be for women.
-
Niger
Rural electrification in 100 villages of Niger
This project will install solar PV mini-grids and individual solar home systems in 100 isolated villages. This project will not only enhance energy access for rural communities but will create thousands of jobs, boosting the local economy and encouraging the development of small businesses.
-
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Renewable/Hybrid Microgrid Portfolio
Solar PV mini-grids with advanced lithium-ion battery storage will be constructed on four islands. Over 16,000 people will gain access to affordable renewable energy, reducing diesel generation and encouraging economic growth. An innovative rainwater harvesting system is also proposed for one of the solar PV arrays that will provide fresh water to 15,000 people.
-
Seychelles
Ile de Romainville Solar Park
A solar PV plant will be integrated into an existing wind farm, demonstrating an innovative space-saving solution for the island. The project is expected to benefit the entire population, particularly impacting low income households by making energy more affordable and accessible. 300 local jobs will be created and reliance on imported fossil fuels will be significantly reduced.
-
Solomon Islands
Tina River Hydro Power Project
A 20 MW hydropower plant will reduce the country’s dependence on expensive imported diesel and provide affordable and reliable renewable electricity to 5,000 people. The project will stimulate a considerable amount of local employment and has encouraged the participation of a wide range of community groups during the preparatory stages.
-
Antigua and Barbuda
Transformation and Resilience Building of the Water Sector test
A hybrid solar PV and wind project will generate renewable energy for desalination plants, part of a wider government driven scheme to transform the water sector of Antigua and Barbuda. Hospitals and community clinics will be supported with back-up power through the provision of batteries, which will improve resilience during droughts and storms. Watch how the project is already benefitting a school and its students.
-
Burkina Faso
Rural Electrification Project
This project will benefit 42 rural villages, including over 12,400 households, businesses, health and education facilities and community centres, with mini-grids and solar home system technologies. Access to reliable electricity will improve living standards, support income generating activities and improve access to education and health services.
-
Cabo Verde
100% Renewable Energy Island Solution
A hybrid wind and solar PV project will provide a 100% renewable energy solution for the Island of Brava. Communities will benefit from affordable and reliable electricity as well as new job opportunities. Local desalination plants will provide approximately 500,000 litres of fresh water per day for the entire population.
-
Senegal
Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification
A solar mini-grid project will provide clean and affordable electricity to 100 remote rural villages, reducing dependence on diesel generation. Medical facilities and schools will benefit from a stable electricity supply as well as improved indoor air quality through the replacement of traditional fuels.
-
Argentina
Nahueve Hydropower Project
A small hydropower project will provide a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to diesel fuel in the rural area of Nahueve. The project will develop irrigation systems for agricultural land and provide the local population with clean drinking water.
-
Cuba
Grid connected Solar PV Project
Four solar PV parks were installed and fully commissioned in May 2019. The generation from these parks equals the annual electricity consumption of 6,500 homes. As a result of savings from lower solar PV costs and working with local expertise to execute the installations, a saving of ~ USD 5 million was attained and is being put into an additional 5 MW of capacity. 230 persons were employed during construction and 50 persons will be involved in for operations and maintenance. Watch how the project is contributing to the government’s climate goals and building local capacity and please see the press release about the inauguration of the project in July 2019.
-
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Meshkinshahr Geothermal Project
This geothermal first-of-its-kind project will add 5 MW of baseload capacity to the national grid and will supply clean, affordable energy to approximately 17,000 households. Additionally, the project is expected to provide power for local heating, fish farming and greenhouses.
-
Mauritania
Wide Scale Rural Electrification Project
This project combines solar PV, wind turbines and a hydroelectric network in nine areas of Mauritania to supply sustainable power to over 200,000 people in 165 rural communities. The impact of the project will be particularly significant in the coastal region, where fishing villages will have access to reliable electricity for desalination and production of ice to keep fishery products fresh.
-
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
La Soufriere Geothermal Energy Project
This project in the volcanic region of La Soufriere will help the country shift from imported diesel to locally generated geothermal energy resulting in significant electricity cost reductions. It will provide a sustainable supply of baseload power, increasing the share of renewable energy in the grid to 75% and significantly improving the reliability of electricity generation for the entire population.
-
Ecuador
Tigreurco Small Hydropower Project
A small hydropower plant in the village of Tigreurco will provide electricity to over 12,000 rural households, improving electricity access in the region. It will power local schools, community centres and a new medical facility. Reliable power supply will stimulate small businesses in the area and facilitate economic growth.
-
Maldives
Islands Waste to Energy Project
Small-scale waste to energy plants with integrated desalination plants will bring clean electricity and approximately 550,000 litres of drinking water per year to three island areas. This project will provide a much-needed integrated waste-management solution as well as improving local air quality and reducing marine pollution.
-
Mali
Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Rural Electrification
This rural electrification project, based on decentralised solar PV mini-grid systems, will provide clean energy to 32 villages. The provision of clean, reliable electricity for healthcare and education will positively impact over 120,000 people in rural communities. Electricity provided for water pumps, agricultural processing machines, and other industrial equipment will enable local people to generate income and provide opportunities for economic growth. Watch how the project will impact rural communities and benefit small businesses.
-
Mauritania
Electrification Project by Wind Power
18 small scale wind turbines will provide electricity to four coastal villages, which are not presently connected to the national electricity and water distribution networks. The project will power households, schools and healthcare facilities, improving access to basic services for over 8,000 people. In addition, each community will benefit from two desalination units and an ice-making plant, particularly supporting the local fishermen.
-
Samoa
Samoa Bioenergy for Electricity Generation
Bioenergy plants powered by woody biomass and coconut residues will bring clean electricity to two islands of Upolu and Savai. Local coconut collectors and producers of copra will benefit from a steady source of income, while farmers will develop sustainable harvesting practices.
-
Sierra Leone
Freetown Solar Park
A grid-connected solar PV plant will produce affordable electricity for more than 15,000 people near the capital of Freetown. The project supports the capital's grid expansion plans and local communities will benefit from improved access to education, healthcare and internet.