Husk Power Systems to Establish 80 Rural Microgrids; Signs Microdebt Facility with EDFI ElectriFI

Husk Power Systems, operator of the largest fleet of solar-hybrid microgrids across rural Asia and Africa, has set its sights on electrifying 80 additional communities in India with $6 million in new debt financing from the EU- funded Electrification Financing Initiative (EDFI ElectriFI).

What the Microgrids Offer

The 80 solar microgrids will prove to be beneficial to an estimated 60,000 people and connect almost 10,000 new customers. This will allow Husk to double its customer base of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which drive rural economic activity yet continue to still rely heavily on polluting and expensive diesel generation. The new microgrids will displace a significant amount of diesel generators, avoiding the equivalent of 11,640 tons of CO2.

Besides providing electricity to the communities, Husk’s platform strategy to address the entire rural energy ecosystem offers access to productive and lifestyle appliances, allowing customers to purchase affordable, modern and efficient appliances for both business and home use, the firm claims.

Among EDFI’s Largest Investments  

The long-term $6 million debt financing is one of the largest investments in the microgrid industry by EDFI ElectriFI, and is a clear indication that investing in leading developers like Husk allows de-risking financing facilities to scale the market at speed. This investment complements Husk’s largest-ever local currency debt financing in the microgrid industry from the India Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), announced earlier this year.

Prior to the EDFI ElectriFI debt, Husk Power already had about 150 net-zero microgrids in operation in India. Husk is also present in Nigeria, with plans to further expand in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Manoj Sinha, Co-founder and CEO, Husk Power, “The EDFI ElectriFI debt will enable Husk to become EBITDA positive before the end of 2022, and demonstrates our increased ability to absorb larger amounts of long-term, low-cost debt, which is necessary to scale microgrids profitably. More importantly, we will be achieving a net zero, broad-based economic impact on businesses and households in rural India, and help MSMEs double their income through reduced energy costs.”

Corentin Billiet, ElectriFI Senior Investment Officer, EDFI Management Company, “Minigrids are at the heart of EDFI ElectriFI’s strategy. We have been following Husk’s progress in the last years with attention and are very pleased to add this leading developer to our portfolio. The new facility will enable the company to reach the next stage of growth, achieve profitability and create long-term impact in rural India.”

About EDFI ElectriFI

EDFI ElectriFI is an EU-funded impact investment facility that invests in early-stage companies and projects in the energy access sector. EDFI ElectriFI focuses on creating new and improved connections and on increasing generation capacity from sustainable energy sources. EDFI ElectriFI invests in the private sector in emerging markets. The facility is managed by FMO and the EDFI Management Company, on behalf of the 15 European Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).

About Husk Power Systems

Founded in 2008, Husk Power Systems is a leading net-zero energy services company operating across Asia and Africa. Its smart and sustainable solutions, centered around community solar microgrids, accelerate access to clean, modern and affordable electricity and catalyze socio-economic development, the company claims.