Canada pledges $150 million to support renewable energy investments in Africa

News Release

December 7, 2015 – Paris, France – Environment and Climate Change Canada

Today, at the Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced Canada’s contribution of Can$150 million to the G7 African Renewable Energy Initiative to support renewable energy in Africa.

Improving access to affordable energy services can play an important role in relieving poverty and in tackling climate change. Canada will work with its G7 partners to catalyze private sector investment in renewable energy in Africa, such as solar, hydro, and wind power. This initiative will help unlock the renewable energy potential in the region.

Today’s announcement is part of Canada’s pledge of Can$2.65 billion over the next five years to take action on climate change in developing countries. This is the most significant Canadian climate finance contribution ever.

Quotes

“Canada believes that deploying clean energy in Africa is essential to addressing climate change. We are ready to work with partners to bring more renewable energy and access to electricity in Africa, where the needs and opportunities are important.”
– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Canada is committed to providing assistance to countries in Africa that have limited capacity to address climate change. We believe we need to work together through innovative partnerships and investments to really have an impact on addressing climate change.”
– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

Quick Facts

In Africa, about 645 million people have no access to electricity. Lack of access to energy services can significantly alter the health and potential to generate income of families in developing countries.
Canada’s contribution will feed into the G7 goal of supporting the generation of 10 Gigawatt (GW) of new renewable energy by 2020, and 300 GW by 2030.
Recent analysis by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has shown the effectiveness of using public funds to lever private sector investment on climate projects, notably by addressing risks for the private sector.