Project
Demonstrating a Scalable Revenue Model for Community Solar Water Pumping in Ethiopia
Funder: Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
Project Timeline: December 1, 2022 - December 31, 2028
Country: Ethiopia
Program Area: Clean Energy & Circular Economy
Contact: Jennifer Holthaus, JHolthaus@winrock.org
Phase I of this Conrad N. Hilton Foundation-funded project (2022 – 2025) demonstrated a business model for leveraging private investment in solarization of existing diesel pumps for drinking water supply in off-grid, rural communities. Working in 10 pilot communities in Amhara and Oromia regional states, Phase I facilitated rural water committees to sign a three-year, lease-to-own solarization agreement with a local solar developer.
Phase I showed that rural communities with diesel-powered water systems are prepared to invest in solar water pumps, without any subsidy; and that local solar developers are prepared to offer lease-to-own contracts once their risks are reduced for entering this new market. Phase I achieved access to basic water services for more than 90,000 people. Baseline and endline surveys of more than 2,600 households in 7 of the 10 communities showed an increase in the use of pumped water as a primary source from 41% to 80%, and an increase in the percentage of residents able to fetch water in 30 minutes from 40% to 75%, on average.
Phase II of the project (2026 – 2028) will broaden the initiative to another 30 communities and extend to Central and Southern regional states. Phase II goals include facilitating access to basic water services for 200,000 people, transitioning the de-risking of solar developers from results-based incentives to commercial financing, and strengthening the capacity of local solar developers, banks and local governments to move the sector toward commercialization.
Impact on Women and Girls
Women and girls disproportionately shoulder the burden of water collection; there has been no progress over the past 15 years.
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