REEEP

ennovent Global Energy Challenge - Advancing Change: Energy for India's Poor

Vienna, 16.11.2009 - James Smith

A majority of India’s poor population has no access to affordable, let alone clean energy. REEEP Partner Organisation ennovent is looking in India and around the world for proven, for-profit solutions that can meet some of the critical energy needs of India’s poor.

ennovent will invest up to USD 500,000 to launch or scale the winning enterprise in India and is offering a reward of USD 3,000 to the nominator.

Inadequate access to energy is part of the poverty trap for the majority of India’s poor. Like anyone else, they need energy for example for cooking, lighting, domestic heating, or power for appliances. Dirty and unsafe energy sources such as kerosene and firewood lead to health hazards and take time away from productive livelihood activities. Earning around USD 3.- or less a day (local PPP), poor people in most cases cannot afford clean and safe sources of energy. Despite massive investment by the Government of India in expanding access to electricity, many communities are still in need of services, especially those in remote areas. The private sector is already playing a key role in helping the government meet its goal to ensure energy for all. Investments into innovations - products, services, processes, and business models - are needed to bring clean, safe and affordable energy services to the Indian BoP market.

ennovent's mission is to promote entrepreneurs who advance innovations for sustainability at the base of the economic pyramid. This competition is one of their activities to achieve this mission.

You can participate in the Challenge by submitting energy solutions or nominating enterprises online at www.ennovent.com. Deadline for submissions is 31 January 2010.

For more information, please contact: office@ennovent.com