A stable power supply is a matter of course in our western world. It is reliable and provides us with energy for numerous devices every day. The situation is different in Africa.
A company from Munich provided the solution
Around 600 million people in Africa have no direct access to electricity. The power supply in Africa is unsafe and expensive, which is a major problem for the people. As a result, most companies obtain their electricity from diesel generators. This has significant disadvantages. For one thing, it is relatively expensive for these companies. The other aspect is that it is a major problem for the environment and global climate change.
These conditions were simply no longer acceptable for a company from Munich. A sensible solution had to be found, one that would support SMEs and protect the environment. Above all, it was important to strengthen the companies and create an environmentally friendly concept. This is where EWIA Green Investments GmbH from Munich came in. The Managing Director of EWIA Green Investments GmbH was in Angola on business in 2013. He got to know the stark contrasts in Africa. The huge construction projects that were creating new satellite towns were impressive. Chinese companies created living space that comprised between 100,000 and 180,000 apartments. The downside was the catastrophic power supply, which was provided solely by diesel generators. The noise and extreme air pollution are completely normal for Africans. This shocked Ralph Schneider, who later became Managing Director and co-founder of EWIA Green Investments GmbH.
Catastrophic conditions for people and the environment
These conditions in Africa were worrying. On the one hand, it was not a situation that could last for the people. The noise and, above all, the exhaust fumes from the numerous diesel generators were more than a health hazard. Apart from the serious consequences that threatened the environment due to the highCO2 emissions. Angola paid for the Chinese construction projects with raw materials such as diamonds and oil. The fossil fuels are then burned in China, which has a negative impact on the global environmental balance. A change was needed for Angola, renewable energies were to bring about a turnaround and provide clean energy. A sustainable, constant and, above all, secure energy supply was the goal for the local companies. Ralph Schneider has been active in the solar industry since 2001. In 2003, he moved to the oil giant Shell. The company was trying to achieve a clean, green image. The idea for a diversified energy company was born.
Photovoltaics the solution for a better future
Africa is a sunny continent, ideal conditions for energy from photovoltaic systems. The advantage of this energy production is that there is no need to build expensive cable routes and power plants. For a long time, however, nothing happened in Africa. In view of the local situation and the climate crisis, it became increasingly urgent to act. Modern systems for clean power generation had emerged. The development was quickly driven forward by the Munich-based company. In 2021, Ralph Schneider is already expanding the third company to drive forward the energy transition in Africa. With his partners Dr. Wolf Fugger and Timo Schäfer, he has two partners with experience in Africa. Together they founded the company, in which several private investors are involved.
Several ethical objectives: Education and technology
In addition to topics such as social impact, climate protection and improving living conditions in Africa, the focus is on other issues. The EWIA Green Investments combine several components. They bring together technology transfer, know-how transfer and employee training. This commitment, especially the in-depth training of employees in Africa, is based on European financing.
The most important aspect is to build a company that, for example, improves the local living conditions of local people. The company is guided by values in order to achieve this goal and improve conditions for people in Africa in general.
Low-cost electricity for medium-sized companies in Africa
In Europe, America and Asia, energy production using photovoltaic systems has long been established. It is now a permanent fixture. Many companies use clean energy and even private households are undergoing a change. In Africa, this topic is still uncharted territory and nowhere near as established. EWIA Green Investments not only develops photovoltaic systems, but also installs and finances them. The company builds the systems for medium-sized companies so that they have a cost-effective option for generating their own electricity. Medium-sized companies have to bear high electricity costs and frequent supply shortages are problematic. With electricity from renewable energies, these problems are a thing of the past for African companies. This model is a valuable benefit for both the companies and the environment.
Great effort for a climate-friendly power supply
Operating a photovoltaic system in Africa is much more complex and difficult than in Europe. Another problem is the lack of knowledge. People are not familiar with the technology. It is therefore important to build sensible systems that are easy to use. However, it is particularly important to train people and provide them with the necessary knowledge. This type of power generation will drive economic growth in Africa in a climate-friendly way. People in Africa are given a whole new perspective
A key point is the investment that these projects cost. Medium-sized companies do not have the financial resources to set up photovoltaic systems. The success of the projects is therefore largely dependent on investors getting involved. These investments ensure that the energy transition in Africa continues to make progress. Economic growth is of great importance for Africa, but also for the rest of the world. The world benefits when Africa's economy grows and this is definitely powered by clean energy.
Investing in a better future
For such projects to work and have a future, it is important to have employees who are committed to their work. Despite all the efforts, the energy projects incur immense costs. Costs that medium-sized companies in Africa simply cannot afford. But it is important to drive these projects forward. The change will ensure a better life for people in Africa. This gives companies the chance to grow and establish themselves on the global market. That would be a great success, which would also do something about the poverty that prevails in some parts of Africa. The Munich-based company, which is so committed to this change, is dependent on investors. An investment is not interesting enough for larger banks. EWIA Green Investments therefore refinances itself via selected private investors and family offices with an affinity for Africa and driven by social impact. The company has now also launched its own crowd investing campaign via FunderNation.
An investment in photovoltaics for everyone
The option of investing in the company as a private investor is particularly interesting. Such an investment secures energy production for companies, while at the same time improving theCO2 balance. Strengthening companies ensures secure jobs in Africa and promotes prosperity.
The population in Africa continues to grow steadily. However, up to 600 million people in Africa still live without access to electricity. The increasing demand for energy can only be met with an environmentally friendly solution. Each and every one of us can actively participate in this change by investing. It is easy to participate via the crowd investing campaign. An investment is possible from 100 euros up to 25,000 euros. So every investor has the chance to turn the Munich-based company's vision into reality.
Electricity production is absolutely clean. A clean energy balance in the world has a positive effect on us all.
Conclusion:
Africa is so far away and yet it concerns us all. The Munich-based company is not just watching. It is committed to getting involved and contributing to the energy transition and prosperity in Africa. This commitment is extensive and cost-intensive. The systems are expensive and the African employees have to be intensively trained. The success of this project depends on investors. The great thing about it is that anyone can participate in this project and invest wisely. With an investment of just 100 euros, people can effectively contribute to making a big difference in Africa that benefits the whole world.
All photos: Ralph Schneider
