IIR Receives ECREEE Award for Advancing Solar Cooling and Heating in Africa

SophiA Workshop Highlights Solar Innovations

Ahead of the forum, the IIR organized a SophiA workshop on November 27, gathering over 70 participants both in-person and online. The hybrid event highlighted cutting-edge solar cooling and heating solutions being implemented across Africa. The workshop featured the following speakers and topics:

1. Philippe Schild – European Commission (DG Research and Innovation):

   • Presented the welcome address, emphasizing the long-term partnership between the African Union and the European Union in supporting climate adaptation and renewable energy solutions in Africa.

2. Professor Michael Kauffeld – Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA):

   • Introduced the SophiA project, launched in 2021, which delivers sustainable cooling and heating solutions using solar power. He highlighted the project’s successes in Burkina Faso and its planned expansion to Cameroon, Uganda, and Malawi, focusing on training local personnel in refrigeration safety and sustainability.

3. Dr. Edem N’Tsoukpoe Kokouvi – 2iE:

   • Shared experiences from the SophiA demonstration site in Léo, Burkina Faso, discussing challenges such as shipping issues and material shortages. He emphasized the importance of local capacity-building for the project’s long-term success.

4. Dr. Ina Colombo – IIR:

   • Introduced the AGRI-COOL project, which uses solar-powered cooling containers and phase-change materials to reduce food waste and enhance food security in Africa. Field tests have been conducted in South Africa, Cape Verde, Somalia, and Zimbabwe.

5. Dr. Abdoulaye Gaye – GIZ Senegal:

   • Presented the ROCA project, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) systems in West and Central Africa by promoting low-global-warming-potential (GWP) cooling solutions.

6. Hubert Zan – Energy Commission of Ghana:

   • Discussed the ECOFRIDGES project, which improves access to energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling appliances in Ghana. He highlighted its successes, such as the sale of over 2,000 appliances, and challenges like limited product availability.

7. Valorem Energie:

   • Showcased the Cryosolar system, a mobile solar-powered refrigeration solution for off-grid areas, which helps preserve perishable goods like fish while reducing the need for ice.

8. Madi Sakande – U-3ARC:

   • Highlighted the challenges faced by African refrigeration technicians, including inadequate training facilities and tools, and stressed the need for international cooperation and gender inclusion in the sector.

9. Professor Moussa Soro – 2iE:

   • Focused on training energy engineers in Africa, emphasizing innovative programs that integrate entrepreneurship and leadership skills to address energy challenges.

10. Marco Duran – IIR:

    • Discussed upcoming IIR Policy Briefs advocating for the adoption of natural refrigerants in Africa and the potential of solar thermal solutions to meet regional energy needs. He also presented the idea of developing an ECOWAS Regional Guide for National Cooling Action Plans.

11. Yao Bernard Koffi – ECOWAS:

• Spoke about the potential of a regional carbon market in West Africa, exploring steps needed to harmonize regulations and build local capacities to mobilize climate finance.

Recognizing Women in Cooling

The IIR CaRe working group and the International Network of Women in Cooling (INWIC) received attention during a panel session on women entrepreneurs in clean energy. Dr. Ina Colombo presented findings from the global Women in Cooling survey and advocated for regional studies to address unique challenges in the ECOWAS zone.

A Step Towards Energy Transition

This year’s ESEF, organized by the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), convened over 400 participants from 30 countries under the theme “Towards a Just Energy Transition in the ECOWAS Region.” Policymakers, industry leaders, and global experts explored solutions to the region’s energy challenges, underscoring the importance of collaboration and innovation.

Moving Forward

The ECREEE Award underscores IIR’s leadership in promoting clean energy technologies across Africa. The success of the SophiA project and other initiatives reflects the growing importance of sustainable cooling solutions in addressing regional energy needs. As ESEF 2025 approaches, IIR aims to expand its partnerships and build on these achievements to advance sustainable energy and cooling in Africa.