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Since 2012, the RES4Africa Foundation has promoted the development and use of clean energy across Africa. On 19^th March, the foundation announced that three world-leading energy firms joined the foundation to support renewable energy initiatives in the continent. Danish wind systems company Vestas joins two Spanish energy companies, Schneider Electric and EDP Renewables, as the latest addition to the RES4Africa organization.

The trio has been supporting the foundation through renewAfrica. This network brings European firms together to encourage global investors to develop the African energy sector. “It is an honor for us at RES4Africa to welcome EDP Renewables, Schneider Electric, and Vestas as new members of the Foundation,” said RES4Africa president Salvatore Bernabei. Bernabei is also the chief executive officer of the Italian renewable energy firm Enel Green Power.

“The fact that three of the world-leading companies in the renewable energy sector decided to expand their support to all the activities of the Foundation, not only means we are doing a great job, but it also confirms our vision: the European private sector is increasingly willing and ready to support Africa on its path towards a just and sustainable energy transition,” added Bernabei. “From EDP Renewables, we are pleased to join as a member of the RES4Africa Foundation and contribute to boosting the African economy,” said EDPR Europe and Brasil chief operating officer, Duarte Bello.

“As a company that is leading the energy transition, we are willing to support and be part of the path towards the sustainable development of the African continent, through the impulse of green energy,” Bello added. “For our company, social responsibility is a cornerstone of our business model, intending to achieve a more efficient society in the shaping of its sustainability, and this is reflected in our commitment to initiatives such as this one.”

Schneider Electric has offices in several African countries and has been at the forefront of digital energy management and automation services. “The ultimate aim of RES4Africa is to help countries throughout Africa gain access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. We have an opportunity to help Africa leapfrog the rest of the world when it comes to energy production and distribution,” said Caspar Herzberg, Schneider Electric Middle East, and Africa’s head.

“With access to energy comes more jobs, long-term economic development, and better living conditions for all. By providing a basis for countries to meet their commitments on the Sustainable Development Goals. And we at Schneider Electric are passionate about ensuring this happens,” added Herzberg. Vestas also expressed its excitement about fully supporting Africa’s energy needs.

“As a pioneer in the expansion of wind energy across the African continent, Vestas is proud to become a full member of the RES4Africa Foundation. The proliferation of renewable energy projects in Africa over the next years will be key for the development of the continent,” said Vesta’s head of public affairs for Africa and the Mediterranean, Pedro Huarte-Mendicoa.