Energy transition

Spark+, a $64m blended finance fund, invests in scalable companies offering clean cooking energy solutions to the mass market in sub-Saharan Africa.

New investors ETF Partners and Astelia led this latest funding round, with backing from Rockstart and other existing investors.

Managers of the Federated Hermes Impact Opportunities Fund have invested in STMicroelectronics, a specialist in more energy efficient silicon carbide power electronics for EVs.

The fund has increased its investment in PEF Technologies, a tech firm developing a more sustainable, less energy-demanding alternative to traditional pasteurisation.

New guidance from the Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance asks for investment in oil and gas projects to be reduced to speed up the energy transition has received a mixed response. 

The Article 9 fund will invest primarily in Africa and Asia. US International Development Finance Corporation, Swedfund, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and other partners will provide capital and guarantees.

Launched by RGreen and Echosys Advisory, the new fund aims to improve financing for the development of Africa’s solar energy resources. 

The fund is close to making its first investment providing finance for the development and construction of renewable energy project in Finland and Sweden.

GeoPura intends to build a fleet of over 3,600 clean generators by 2033. Backers include Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital, GM Ventures, SWEN Capital Partners and Siemens Energy Ventures.

The fund should strengthen the EU “strategic autonomy” and the green and digital transitions, be integrated into the current EU long-term budget, and mobilise private investments.