- The ESMS template is part of CrossBoundary Access’ Open Source initiative designed to accelerate universal energy access in Africa
- Mini-grids are the least cost method to provide electricity to 260 million people in Africa and have a critical role in achieving universal energy access on the continent
- CrossBoundary Access team has published a comprehensive ESMS template to guide the development and operation of mini-grid projects
CrossBoundary Access has released an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) template designed to streamline and enhance the development and operation of solar mini-grid projects across Africa. This ESMS template contributes to CrossBoundary Access’ Open Source initiative, aimed at driving sustainable development and achieving universal energy access on the continent. The template is now available for download on CrossBoundary Access’ website HERE.
A Standardised Approach with Customisable Features
The ESMS template offers a standardised framework for managing environmental and social (E&S) impacts, complete with detailed procedures to manage broad E&S risks. It provides developers with the flexibility to customise these elements to fit the specific needs and operational contexts of their solar mini-grid projects in Sub Saharan Africa.
Empowering Sustainable Development in Sub Saharan Africa
CrossBoundary Access believes that open sourcing essential environmental and social risk management tools will significantly accelerate sustainable development efforts. By making this ESMS template publicly available, the initiative aims to facilitate the adoption of best practices in environmental and social management, ensuring projects meet both local regulations and international standards.
“The ESMS template is the first of many ESG tools we plan to release to help developers adopt a structured approach to managing environmental and social impacts effectively. Over the last 2 years, CrossBoundary Access has developed these tools to facilitate the right-sized integration of ESG principles in rural solar mini-grid developments,” said Flora Oloo, ESG Manager at CrossBoundary Access.
“We are proud to support CrossBoundary Access in their mission to provide universal energy access in Africa. The ESMS template is an invaluable tool for developers, ensuring that mini-grid projects not only provide power but do so in a way that is sustainable and socially responsible. This initiative aligns with our commitment to catalyzing clean energy innovation and inclusive investments,” said Kwaku Owusu-Achaw, Business Development Director at UK charity, Shell Foundation.
Share your feedback on the ESMS and explore more resources on CrossBoundary Access’s Open Source site.
The Open Source initiative is funded by Shell Foundation, with co-funding from the UK government through the FCDO.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
