The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a loan of 8.51 million euros (more than 5.574 billion CFA francs) for the Senegal Efficient Lighting Lamps Promotion Program (Ppleef), a pioneering initiative aimed at advance energy efficiency in the country.
According to a press release from the AfDB which reached us yesterday, Friday January 17, this project constitutes the Bank’s first investment entirely dedicated to energy efficiency on the demand side, thus establishing a new benchmark for sustainable development in Africa. The document reports that the Program to Promote Efficient Lighting Lamps is poised to transform energy use in Senegal, benefiting nearly 700,000 households and 80,000 small businesses in the Dakar, Thiès and Diourbel regions. .
By replacing obsolete and inefficient incandescent bulbs with modern LED lighting, the press release continued, the project will achieve significant energy savings, reduce electricity costs and reduce carbon emissions.
“Central to the initiative is its innovative on-bill financing model, which allows consumers to repay the cost of new lighting through monthly energy savings. It is noted that this model ensures that the program is both accessible and affordable for all participants,” the document reads. According to the source, beyond its immediate benefits for Senegal, the program is a replicable and scalable model for other African countries. Also, he notes, by reducing energy consumption, this program delays the need for costly investments in new power plants, particularly during periods of high demand. Over the period 2019-2024, the Bank has committed approximately $6 billion to energy projects across Africa. According to the press release, thanks to the launch of Ppleef and the dynamic driven by the “Mission 300” initiative, launched jointly by the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group, alongside other partners, the Africa is making significant progress in closing its energy access gap.
-SudQuotidien
Senegal
