| 1. EKOenergy's efforts recognised under the UN Energy Compacts initiative |
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Energy use accounts for about two thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions, and yet billions still lack decent access to energy.
To promote the energy transition and make clean energy available for all, the United Nations has launched the Energy Compacts initiative. Energy Compacts are voluntary commitments from Member States and all other stakeholders, such as companies, NGOs and others, that outline the specific actions they will take to advance progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, i.e. affordable and clean energy.
Energy Compact commitments are designed to be fully in line with SDG Acceleration Actions and Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. The UN-Energy department supports the development, mobilisation and monitoring of Energy Compacts throughout the entire cycle.
We are happy to announce that EKOenergy's commitment to promote renewable energy has been accepted under the Energy Compacts. In our Energy Compact, the focus is particularly on the annually growing impact of our Climate Fund, through which we finance renewable energy installations in developing countries. |
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| "In the recent past, our village was in complete darkness. Now there is light and this brings security. Our people are benefiting from this." - Aboubacar Diamoutene, mayor of the rural municipality of Pimperna, in a video about one of the solar projects we have financed in Mali |
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| 2. EKOenergy from on-site installations |
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Did you know that the EKOenergy ecolabel can be combined with all types of renewable energy sourcing? This includes on-site installations too.
You can read more about EKOenergy from on-site installations and PPAs on our website.
In the past few weeks, several consumers announced their use of EKOenergy from solar power produced on site: for example, Grupo Macho and Grupo ACB in Spain (via our licensed seller Quantica Renovables) and Colgate Palmolive and Lácteos San Antonio in Ecuador (via our licensee DeltaGlobal).
We also got a well made video about the opening ceremony of the on-site installation at the ECOTEC University in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Many thanks to Javier Alvarado, CEO of DeltaGlobal, for the nice words about our ecolabel. |
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| "EKOenergy is the ecolabel that recognises our environment-friendly policies, and we integrate it into our brand, focusing on actions to protect our environment." - Karem Gonzalez Palma, Director of liaison with the society, ECOTEC University, Ecuador, on YouTube |
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| 3. 2022's first call for EKOenergy Climate Fund projects |
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For each MWh of EKOenergy consumption, our licensees contribute 0.10€ to our Climate Fund for financing new clean energy projects in developing countries. All projects are selected through a transparent process.
We have opened our new call for solar and wind energy projects for 2022. Experienced non-profit organisations are welcome to submit project proposals by 15 February 2022. The proposed projects must be implemented in cooperation with local communities and should cost about 10,000€ to 40,000€ each. We are looking to fund 6 to 8 projects.
As always, we encourage EKOenergy's partners, licensees and consumers to participate in the selection process. Contact us for more information. |
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| "In order to add an extra layer of information to the GOs, the existing and functional tracking tool, there are Europe-wide options such as the EKOenergy ecolabel or Tüv." - Liesbeth Switten, Secretary General of AIB, during the 13th European Citizens' Energy Forum |
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| 4. We have financed another river restoration project in Germany |
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Consumers of EKOenergy-labelled hydropower don’t only help us finance renewable energy projects but also contribute to the restoration of river biodiversity.
Thanks to the use of EKOenergy-labelled hydropower in Germany, we were able to provide a financing of 21,984.94 € for the revitalisation and restoration of the Schnegaer Mühlenbach. This small stream in Lower Saxony, Germany, is a habitat for rare species such as brook mussels, otters, brook lamprey, brook trout and stream dragonflies.
The project was implemented by Ökologische Station Landgraben-Dumme-Niederung, a local division of Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz (BUND), one of Germany’s largest nature conservation associations. You can learn more about this project on our website. |
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| 5. Good news from renewable energy projects we have financed |
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We regularly receive updates from the clean energy projects we have recently financed. We got an invitation for the opening of the solar-powered community outreach centre in Chediya, Yandoto Village, Nigeria.
L'Association de Soutien aux Initiatives Communautaires (ASIC) has sent us photos from the installation of solar panels and solar drying equipment at the Multifunctional Centre for Women in Kolokani, Mali.
We have received an interim report from Renewable World about their project "Using Renewable Energy to Kickstart Agriculture in Achham" we have financed in Nepal.
OMADEZA from Mali has sent us the final report of their project that has brought electricity to the village of Sogola in the Bougouni municipality. You can find a summary of the information in our new leaflet Solar lighting and freezers for women and children in Mali.
The Healthy School project of Practical Action in Bolivia, which we supported earlier this year, has been recognised by Pacto Global Bolivia (a local division of the UN Global Compact) for its contributions to the realisation of Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. We are also happy to see that Practical Action, to which we have granted 145,000€ between 2016 and now, is one of the 4 NGOs supported by the Guardian and Observer charity appeal 2021 for their contributions to helping protect the rights of marginalised people most affected by the climate crisis! |
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| "It will definitely inspire many, and it has already started inspiring many. The Sokoto State SDG office (Nigeria) is interested in the concept and they want to visit the village on 22nd December." - Usman Muhammad from CREACC in Nigeria, about a recent Climate Fund project |
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| 6. Empowering renewable energy consumers in Turkey |
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The demand for EKOenergy-labelled energy helps us promote renewable energy in many countries. Turkey is one of the countries we have been focusing on for several years.
Most of our materials are available in Turkish and we are in regular contact with Turkish stakeholders: authorities, energy companies, energy consumers, NGOs and others.
Last Monday, Merve Güngör from our Secretariat gave a presentation about EKOenergy's role in empowering consumers at a webinar organised by the Turkish electricity industry federation TESAB (Eurelectric Turkey). |
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| "Many things will come with me from Finland: friends, art, a lot of sisu, and above all, a reconnection with nature. And enjoying nature like this is the best reason to protect it. " - Icíar Montes, one of the European Solidarity Corps volunteers at our Secretariat, at the end of her project |
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| 7. EKOenergy on social media |
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By following EKOenergy on social media, you get relevant updates with regard to the climate crisis, renewable energy and EKOenergy's activities worldwide.
Here are some recent posts: Today, 5 December, is International Volunteering Day. We want to take the opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have helped (or are helping) us promote #renewableenergy in many countries and in many languages. (on Facebook)
New study by @INETeconomics: "Is there a path forward that can get us there cheaply and quickly?" "The answer is an emphatic ‘Yes!'" (on Twitter)
Today EKO-Iciar was in front of the Finnish Parliament for Fridays for Future. It's time to stop burning fossil fuels & switch to renewables! (on Instagram)
It's crucial to break down the barriers to renewables! With the Renewable Europe By 2040 campaign, we are demanding an unparalleled and sustainable growth of solar and wind energy! (on Twitter)
Thanks @villivesi for using EKOenergy-labelled renewable electricity, and also for using our logo on your cans and bottles! (on Instagram) |
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| 8. Clean power is a hallmark of a credible net zero plan |
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There is an emerging consensus that the rapid and early decarbonisation of electricity is an essential feature of any credible net zero plan.
Clean power delivers a positive feedback loop of emissions reductions through electrification of sectors like transport, heating and industry. Without it, economy-wide decarbonisation is impossible.
However, to unlock these benefits, zero-carbon power must be achieved well in advance of mid-century net zero targets. The International Energy Agency’s Net Zero Roadmap sees advanced economies like the EU decarbonising their electricity by 2035. The EU’s own modelling puts this milestone soon after.
The big players are already starting to take note. The UK, US and Canada have all made commitments to achieve emissions-free electricity by 2035. A number of European countries, including Germany, Spain, Portugal, the UK and the Netherlands, are targeting a renewables-dominated electricity system in the 2030s, while France, Sweden and Denmark already burn minimal fossil fuels.
Copied from a recent text by climate and energy think tank Ember |
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We at EKOenergy are always enthusiastic to collaborate with new partners.
For further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch. |
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