Rolls-Royce is investing in Berlin-based start-up Kowry Energy GmbH, a provider of sustainable and decentralised energy systems. Kowry supports the rapid and sustainable expansion of energy infrastructure in the Sub-Saharan African region (Central and Southern Africa), for example, by combining renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic systems with battery storage.

“The African market for decentralized energy supply offers great potential. There are the best geographical conditions for establishing a climate-friendly, local power supply for industrial customers and municipalities that largely does not require fossil fuels. As a young company, Kowry Energy is able to respond agilely to individual demand in the rapidly growing African energy market. Rolls-Royce as investor and industry partner creates a strong positioning for Kowry in the market. The start-up can build on our support and know-how in the implementation of the projects,” says Power Systems CFO Louise Öfverström, explaining the background to the investment.

“We believe that the climate challenges facing our planet can only be solved by including the 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa who today live without access to electricity. This requires innovative business models that enable rapid access to sustainable energy. With our growth-oriented business model and Rolls-Royce as an investor, Kowry Energy will make an important contribution in the future,” explains founder Ndiarka Mbodji.

In cooperation with local independent energy suppliers, decentralized energy systems will provide African communities and businesses with reliable access to clean energy in the future. The jointly operated energy solutions from photovoltaic systems and battery storage cover a demand of up to one megawatt. This minimises the use of fossil fuels and makes optimum use of the climatic conditions in Africa. Kowry Energy supports its customers every step of the way, from project development to the procurement of equipment and components, and offers its customers fully integrated hybrid solutions.

“We are excited to launch in Mali and Nigeria this year and to see our business model validated by a current project pipeline of $17 million,” Mbodji says.