Green Essence- Bringing clean and solar-powered energy to rural communities and farmers

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The company covers the initial investment, maintenance, and operating costs.

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The Water and Energy for Food Grand Challenge (WE4F) Middle East and North Africa Regional Innovation Hub (MENA RIH), is an international partnership among the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Netherlands, and Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. WE4F supports the most promising and innovative companies and organizations working to produce more food with less water and more efficient energy resources. Meet Green Essence, one of the selected innovators.

CHALLENGE

The current, unfolding situation in Lebanon has resulted in a growing scarcity of subsidized fuels, and little to no access to subsidized electricity from EDL (the national utility company), especially in rural farming areas. This is especially concerning for farmers, as energy usage is critical for their survival. Also, due to the current situation, Lebanese farmers do not have access to financing, which is needed to buy capital-intensive, power-generating equipment.

SOLUTION

Green Essence Lebanon’s solution provides farmers with solar systems and uses an innovative financing model to relieve farmers’ financial burdens. The company covers the initial investment, maintenance, and operating costs while the farmers pay the company back. Green Essence Lebanon also creates incentives that encourages smallholder farmers to develop additional income opportunities by selling surplus pumped water and generated electricity to neighbors, The company also creates incentives for women and marginalized populations so they have access to and benefit from the solar systems.

Raghid Jarrah

Raghid Jarrah

Raghid Jarrah joined Berytech in July 2021 and is currently a Communication and Outreach Coordinator. He supports the team on various ongoing projects such as ARYAF, DAWERR, REAF, SAFI, WE4F, and others.

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