Draft:Renewvia Energy Corporation

  • Comment: In addition, many of the sources are not reliable (blogs like Afrik21), others are press releases, interviews or based on what Renewvia has said/written about itself so are primary and not independent. Other sources are trade publications which generally cannot be used to establish notability because they exist to promote an industry and have a limited audience. If resubmitted with substantial improvement, the draft may be rejected. S0091 (talk) 17:09, 24 June 2024 (UTC)

Renewvia Energy Corporation
IndustryEnergy industry
HeadquartersAtlanta, Georgia, United States
ProductsCommercial and rural mini-grid solar and wind projects
Websitehttps://www.renewvia.com/

Renewvia Energy Corporation is a solar developer headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Recognized as a top 500 Global Solar Developer, Renewvia specializes in designing, installing, owning, and operating commercial and community solar power systems across multiple continents. The company provides a range of solar energy solutions, including turnkey solar installation, integrated financing, and solar consulting services.

History

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Renewvia Energy Corporation was founded in 2008[1] by CEO Trey Jarrard. The company began with the development of its first rooftop array and has since expanded its operations across the United States, engaging in projects across various industries.[2] In 2015, under the leadership of President Eric Domescik[3] and CIO Bahaa Samy[4], Renewvia entered the African market with its first off-grid rural electrification project, establishing two subsidiaries: Renewvia Energy Kenya Limited[5] and Renewvia Solar Nigeria Limited.[6] Nicholas Selby, VP of Engineering, oversees projects in Africa.[7]

U.S. Operations

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Renewvia operates in 18 states within the United States, managing 74 operating systems. The company offers turnkey EPC services, financing offerings, and back-end O&M services to clients.[8][9][10] Renewvia has served various sectors, including automotive,[11] steel fabrication,[12] and manufacturing.[13]

International Operations

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In Africa, Renewvia focuses on building, installing, and operating mini-grids that combine solar and wind energy with energy storage solutions. The company has deployed mini-grids in diverse environments, such as the islands of Lake Victoria in Kenya[14] and remote communities in the Niger Delta in Nigeria.[15][16] Renewvia's international clients include Shell Oil and the United Bank of Africa in Nigeria,[17] and the UNHCR and WFP in Kenya.[18] Renewvia Solar Energy PLC, the Ethiopian subsidiary, is implementing solar mini-grid projects awarded by DREAM in the Oromia region, covering Huluku, Dalle, Moko, and Chefe Kora.[17]

Renewvia has deployed 24 projects and connected about 8,000 homes and businesses, with a projected portfolio to enable 100,000 connections by 2026.[19] Additionally, Renewvia partnered with Okapi Green Energy to form OkRene Energy, delivering clean electricity to the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.[20]

Technology

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Renewvia utilizes a proprietary payments collection platform, integrating with local mobile money providers like M-Pesa in Kenya and Paga in Nigeria to facilitate cashless payments. The platform, coupled with smart meters, allows precise monitoring and control of energy usage. Customers manage their accounts via mobile phones, with functionalities for pre-paid energy, balance checks, and maintenance alerts.[19]

Renewvia has also developed the Renewvia Environmental Equity Exchange (REEE), a blockchain-based carbon asset platform. REEE sells renewable energy credits (R-RECs) and carbon credits, using public blockchain verification to ensure transparency and prevent double-counting. The platform allows for the creation of derivatives, including futures for carbon assets.[21]

Partnerships and Certifications

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Renewvia has collaborated with various bilateral and multilateral institutions, funders, and foundations, including All-On,[22] GIZ,[23] USAID,[24] the World Bank,[25] AFD, and Development Partners International.[15]

Renewvia is a Certified B Corporation, a Top 500 Global Solar Developer,[26] and a member of the African Mini-Grid Developers Association.[27]

Impact

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By implementing solar mini-grids in rural African communities, Renewvia has facilitated socioeconomic benefits, particularly in Kenya and Nigeria.

Gender Equality

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Solar mini-grids have contributed to increased school enrollment for both boys and girls, reduced time spent on household chores, and enhanced economic opportunities for women. The presence of reliable electricity has enabled children, especially girls, to spend more time on education and less on chores such as water collection.[28]

Health and Safety

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Access to clean, reliable electricity has led to better health outcomes by reducing the use of hazardous energy sources like kerosene lamps. Clinics in electrified communities now have reliable power for refrigeration, ensuring the safe storage of vaccines and medicines. Additionally, improved community lighting has increased safety by reducing the risks associated with dark areas and unsafe travel.[28]

Economic Activity

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The deployment of mini-grids has led to a rise in business activities and household incomes. In Kenya, the median income of rural community members quadrupled post-connection. Businesses have reported increased operational hours and revenue growth, with many expanding their product and service offerings.[28]

Employment

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The introduction of reliable electricity has generated new job opportunities. Businesses connected to the mini-grids have employed more workers, contributing to local economic growth.[28]

Productivity

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Reliable electricity has reduced the time spent on essential activities like water and fuel collection, allowing households to allocate more time to productive tasks. The availability of electricity has also enabled businesses to operate more efficiently and extend their hours of operation.[28]

References

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  1. ^ "Renewvia Energy". CBInsights. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  2. ^ Williams, Trevor (14 November 2023). "How Renewvia Is Powering Africa From Atlanta". Global Atlanta. Newspack. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  3. ^ Williams, Trevor (19 February 2019). "Lighting Africa From Atlanta: Solar Contractor Sees Profitable Future in the Developing World". Global Atlanta. Newspack. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  4. ^ "Bahaa Samy". Africa Investment Exchange. African Energy. 1 March 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  5. ^ Nakweya, Gilbert (16 February 2024). "A global solar transition could leave Africa in the shade". Nature Africa. Springer Nature Limited. doi:10.1038/d44148-024-00054-5. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  6. ^ "Renewvia connects 2,000 households to solar power in Niger Delta". Guardian Nigeria News. The Guardian Newspaper. 13 March 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  7. ^ Russell, Emily (20 January 2023). "Tech grads featured on new Forbes 30 Under 30 list". Technique. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  8. ^ "Renewvia Energy". Solar Power World. WTWH Media LLC. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  9. ^ Ludt, Billy (16 November 2021). "Solar installers expand into new services to meet market needs". Solar Power World. WTWH Media LLC. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  10. ^ Pickerel, Kelly (7 July 2020). "Solar developer Renewvia launches U.S. O&M division". Solar Power World. WTWH Media LLC. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  11. ^ Kryzanowski, Tony. "Solar power delivers for dealership". enerG Magazine. MerCo Publishing Inc. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  12. ^ "Steelfab home to largest rooftop solar array in Alabama". The Randolph Leader. 5 December 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  13. ^ magazine, pv (21 July 2017). "Renewvia Energy Builds Largest Rooftop Solar Array in New Hampshire for Worthen Industries, a 150-Year-Old Manufacturing Business". PV Magazine USA. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  14. ^ Takouleu, Jean Marie (25 October 2018). "Renewvia commissions two mini grids for two islands on Lake Victoria". Afrik 21. Publishing 21. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  15. ^ a b Takouleu, Jean Marie (24 March 2020). "Renewvia Energy and DPI join forces to provide solar off grid". Afrik 21. Publishing 21. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  16. ^ Takouleu, Jean Marie (3 February 2021). "REA subsidises Renewvia and PowerGen for solar mini-grids". Afrik 21. Publishing 21. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  17. ^ a b Williams, Trevor (2 September 2023). "Atlanta Solar Firm's 'Mini-grids' Go From Remote Villages to Corporate Rooftops in Africa". Global Atlanta. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  18. ^ Hako, Nasi (26 January 2023). "Kenya Refugee camp to benefit from solar mini-grid for electricity". ESI-Africa.com. VUKA Group. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  19. ^ a b Shenvekar, Sadhana (2 August 2023). "Shining A Light On Kenya's Solar Industry, This Interview Delves Into The Unique Challenges And Opportunities Faced By Operators In The Country - Julie Greene, Managing Director, Renewvia Solar Africa". SolarQuarter. FirstView Media Ventures Pvt. Ltd. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  20. ^ "Renewvia Launches Joint Venture with Okapi Green Energy Ltd. to Deliver Clean and Affordable Energy to Kenya's Refugees". Guardian Nigeria News. The Guardian Newspaper. 25 January 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  21. ^ Peterschmidt, Nico (13 March 2024). "I-RECs, P-RECs, D-RECs, R-RECs: Revenue Opportunities for Mini-Grid Companies". The Mini-Grid Business. INENSUS. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  22. ^ "Renewvia Receives $1.2 Million Commitment From All On To Electrify Communities In The Niger Delta". All-On. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  23. ^ Takouleu, Jean Marie (11 June 2020). "Renewvia commissions 3 mini-grids in Turkana and Marsabit counties". Afrik 21. Publishing 21. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  24. ^ Herscowitz, Andrew (March 2020). "Energy Diplomacy Works: How Power Africa Redefines Development Partnerships". The Foreign Service Journal. American Foreign Service Association. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  25. ^ "REA in Collaboration with World Bank Signs Grant Agreement with Renewvia Solar Nigeria for the Solar Hybrid Mini Grids PBG". Rural Electrification Agency. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  26. ^ "Atlanta-based Renewvia Energy Brings Solar Power to Remote Island Communities in Kenya". Markets Insider. Business Insider. 3 October 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  27. ^ "Our Members". African Mini-Grid Developers Association. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  28. ^ a b c d e Carabajal, A T; Orsot, A; Moudio, M P E; Haggai, T; Okonkwo, C J; Jarrard III, G T; Selby, N S (5 June 2024). "Social and economic impact analysis of solar mini-grids in rural Africa: a cohort study from Kenya and Nigeria". Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability. 4 (2): 025005. arXiv:2401.02445. Bibcode:2024ERIS....4b5005C. doi:10.1088/2634-4505/ad4ffb. Retrieved 23 June 2024.