New Programme Promotes Renewable Heating and Cooling for Productive Uses in West and East Africa

New Programme Promotes Renewable Heating and Cooling for Productive Uses in West and East Africa

New initiative builds on 15+ years of success in Southern Africa to unlock markets for solar thermal, PV-thermal, and other technologies

Vienna, Austria – UNIDO under the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC) announces the launch of the SOLTRAIN Pure Programme, a new initiative promoting renewable heating and cooling for productive uses across West and East Africa.

The programme aims to unlock regional markets for mature renewable heating and cooling technologies—including solar thermal, photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems, heat pumps, and biogas—in industrial and productive sectors. Pilot implementations are planned in Ghana and Uganda, addressing key technical, financial, and regulatory barriers that have so far limited the uptake of these proven solutions.

Building on a Legacy of Success

SOLTRAIN Pure builds on the long-running SOLTRAIN programme in Southern Africa, implemented with technical assistance of AEE – Institute for Sustainable Technologies (AEE INTEC) and funding of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) since 2009. Over more than 15 years, SOLTRAIN has demonstrated the transformative potential of renewable heating and cooling solutions in developing economies, creating a strong foundation for expansion into West and East Africa.

A Comprehensive Approach to Market Transformation

SOLTRAIN Pure takes a holistic approach to market development, focusing on four key impact areas:

• Boosting industrial productivity through reliable and cost-effective heating and cooling solutions
• Cutting carbon emissions by replacing fossil fuel-based systems with renewable alternatives
• Creating green jobs by strengthening local capacity and skills in renewable energy value chains
• Removing technical, financial, and regulatory barriers that hinder technology adoption

South-South and Triangular Cooperation

The programme reflects GN-SEC’s commitment to South-South and triangular cooperation (SSTC). By facilitating knowledge transfer between Southern, West, and East African regions, and by partnering with development agencies from the Global North, SOLTRAIN Pure fosters collaboration that enhances long-term impact and sustainability.

Strategic Partnerships

SOLTRAIN Pure is implemented through a strong partnership framework, bringing together international and regional institutions, including UNIDO, AEE INTEC, SACREEE, ECREEE, and EACREEE, with funding support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). The programme will also create synergies with the STAR-C project, implemented by UNIDO and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) with EU support, further enhancing regional collaboration and impact in renewable heating and cooling for productive uses. 

For More Information

Learn more about the SOLTRAIN programme’s origins and impact in Southern Africa:
👉 www.soltrain.org
👉 www.ecreee.org 
👉 www.eacreee.org 
👉 www.sacreee.org  
👉 https://www.aee-intec.at 
👉 www.gn-sec.net 
👉 www.starc-project.org