EBRD loan to boost electrical distribution in Benin (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has made its first investment in sub-Saharan Africa with a pledge to boost Benin’s electricity sector

The bank will provide a €30mn sovereign loan to Société Béninoise d’Énergie Électrique (SBEE), the national power distribution utility.

It forms part of part of a €173mn programme, with planned co-financing by the Agence Française de Développement (AFC) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), that also benefits from a grant under the EU’s Africa Investment Platform.

It will support Benin’s efforts to expand reliable electricity access to underserved communities in the Mono, Couffo and Borgou regions, strengthening the national grid and connecting 600,000 people.

In a statement, EBRD said the loan to SBEE “marks a significant step in strengthening Benin’s national grid, modernising its distribution infrastructure and improving the daily lives of rural communities and vulnerable households, particularly women.”

This rural electrification project is expected to enhance energy reliability and connect to the grid 120,000 new households, across 750 rural villages and towns.

The project involves extending, modernising and increasing the density of the medium- and low-voltage distribution network across the various regions, paired with modern grid enhancements such as improved fault-detection systems and stronger cybersecurity capabilities for SBEE.

“I am delighted to sign our first financing in sub-Saharan Africa only a few months after Benin became a recipient country,” said Dasha Dougans, EBRD’s head of Benin.

“This transformative investment will help expand access to reliable electricity for thousands of families. It will also strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Benin’s energy infrastructure, which is fundamental to accelerating rural development and unlocking economic potential.”

Benin became an EBRD shareholder in 2024 and a country of operation in July 2025.

The bank added that it plans to invest in “sustainable critical infrastructure” in the West African country “that underpins private-sector development” and supports the modernisation and efficiency of enterprises and strengthening of the economic governance of institutions.

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Three phase hybrid inverter for residential solar. (Image source: Hinen)

Hinen has unveiled the H15000T, a 15kW three-phase low-voltage hybrid inverter designed as a next-generation energy solution for Europe and Africa’s three-phase residential and light commercial markets

Developed to meet rising demand for integrated solar, storage and dependable backup power, the H15000T targets large homes and small commercial sites in regions where three-phase systems are common.

In Europe, the inverter aligns well with markets such as Poland, where escalating electricity prices and the push for energy independence are accelerating uptake of high-capacity hybrid solutions. Across Africa, it is positioned for high-end residential customers and small enterprises that require reliable power in areas affected by frequent grid interruptions and heavy dependence on diesel generators.

With electricity tariffs fluctuating and grid reliability under increasing pressure, users in both regions are seeking systems that provide higher output, greater adaptability and stronger backup performance. The H15000T responds with a durable, future-ready architecture built to deliver consistent performance under real-world conditions.

Engineered for practical three-phase applications, the H15000T supports 100% three-phase unbalanced output, enabling each phase to supply up to 50% of rated power independently. This capability ensures stable operation even when loads are unevenly distributed, a typical scenario in large residences, farms, workshops and small commercial facilities.

The inverter incorporates three independent MPPTs and allows 150% PV oversizing, supporting up to 22.5kW of solar input. This configuration maximises energy yield from complex rooftop installations. A low PV startup voltage of 120V allows earlier daily generation, helping users harvest more solar energy and enhance overall system returns.

For backup-intensive applications, the H15000T offers 100–110% continuous overload capacity and can handle close to 200% overload for up to 10 seconds, ensuring critical loads remain operational during sudden demand spikes. A 45A high-capacity bypass current enables peak output of up to 30kW, supporting power-hungry appliances, machinery and commercial equipment. With a backup switching time of no more than 10ms, the system provides seamless transitions during grid outages, protecting sensitive devices and maintaining uninterrupted operations.

The H15000T also delivers rapid charging and intelligent energy control, featuring a 290A ultra-fast battery charge and discharge capability for quicker energy storage and enhanced load support. It is compatible with multiple energy sources, including solar PV, the grid and diesel generators, offering resilience across varied energy environments.

Smart load management is enabled through a dedicated secondary output, allowing users to prioritise essential circuits, while dry contacts support automatic diesel generator start and stop. Multiple operating modes can be configured via a mobile app, giving users the flexibility to tailor energy strategies and optimise efficiency according to their specific needs.

Scatec scaling up business in Africa

Norwegian renewables group Scatec ASA has started commercial operations at the 273 MW Grootfontein solar power plant in South Africa

Separately, the Oslo-listed company announced that it has signed up EDF Power and Norfund as partners on its flagship 1.1GW solar and battery storage hybrid project, Obelisk in Egypt.

“Obelisk is Scatec’s largest project to start construction to date and combines solar and batteries to deliver stable and cost competitive renewable energy to support Egypt’s growing power demand and energy transition,” said Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog.

Following the transaction, Norfund will own 25% of the Obelisk holding company with Scatec owning the remaining 75%.

EDF power solutions will own 20% of the operating company (SPV), bringing Scatec’s and Norfund’s total economic interest to 60% and 20% respectively with Scatec retaining economic control of the power plant.

Scatec added that it is in “advanced discussions” with additional equity partners, aiming to reduce Scatec’s economic interest in the project further.

In South Africa, the smaller Grootfontein project will generate solid revenues via a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA).

“Bringing the Grootfontein plant into operation is an important milestone for Scatec and our partners,” said Pilskog.

“As our first project in the Western Cape, and the first solar project to reach COD under REIPPPP Round 5, this achievement reflects the dedication and resilience of our teams and contractors.”

The power plant is expected to generate 700 GWh of clean energy annually, leading to an estimated abatement of 630,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, making it the largest co-located solar PV cluster in the Western Cape.

Scatec owns 51% of the equity in the project, and partners with H1 Holdings, its local Black Economic Empowerment partner, and the Grootfontein Local Community Trust.

Scatec will also continue to provide Operation & Maintenance and Asset Management services to the power project.

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