PVTIME – Rolls-Royce is investing in Berlin-based start-up Kowry Energy GmbH, a provider of sustainable and decentralized energy systems. Kowry supports the sustainable expansion of energy infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa by combining renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic and battery storage systems.
“The African market for decentralized energy supply offers great potential. The geographical conditions provide an opportunity to build a climate-friendly, local power supply for industrial and community customers that operates with minimum use of fossil fuels. As a young company, Kowry Energy can adapt to the realities of the fast-growing African energy market. Rolls-Royce as investor and industry partner provides Kowry Energy with strong positioning in the market. The start-up can rely on our support and know-how in implementing their projects,” explained Power Systems CFO Louise Öfverström.
“We believe that solving the climate challenge facing our planet will only succeed with the inclusion of the 600 million people of Sub-Saharan Africa who are living without energy today. This requires innovative business models that enable sustainable energy access with scale and speed. With a scale-based business model and Rolls-Royce Power Systems as our investor we are confident that Kowry Energy will achieve this,” explained founder Ndiarka Mbodji.
In cooperation with local independent power providers and operators, Kowry Energy will supply energy solutions using photovoltaic systems and battery storage for demand of up to 1MW. This minimizes the use of fossil fuels and makes optimal use of the climatic conditions in Africa. Kowry Energy supports its customers every step of the way – from project development & design to sourcing equipment – and offers its customers fully integrated hybrid solutions.
“We are excited to be launching this year in Mali and Nigeria and to see our business model validated by a current projects pipeline of $17m and growing rapidly, and I look forward to welcoming more investors committed to sustainable energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa,” added Mbodji.
