Hydrobox, a Kenyan energy startup specializing in sustainable hydro-powered mini-grids, has announced the successful acquisition of $9 million in debt funding. FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, and EDFI Management Company via ElectriFI, an EU-backed clean energy investment facility, have secured funding that will transform energy access in underserved regions of Kenya. By leveraging this investment, Hydrobox aims to accelerate the development of eight small hydro projects across four mini-grids, bringing affordable, reliable electricity to over 10,000 individuals and local businesses.
Hydrobox is revolutionizing energy delivery by constructing, owning, and operating containerized hydro power plants that drastically reduce construction costs and deployment time. These advanced units, equipped with cutting-edge IoT technology, allow for remote monitoring and management, enhancing efficiency and minimizing downtime. The startup’s innovative approach ensures sustainable power generation through the utilization of small local rivers, significantly reducing dependency on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
These mini-grids serve a diverse customer base, including households, small businesses such as schools, hospitals, and shops, and anchor clients like factories and farms. Hydrobox’s independent grid model delivers reliable power to remote areas often overlooked by traditional electricity networks.
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“This partnership with reference investors FMO and ElectriFI is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team over the past few years,” said Thomas Poelmans, CEO and co-founder of Hydrobox. “With strong partners on board and a robust pipeline of upcoming projects in Kenya and the DRC, we are well-positioned to make a significant impact on energy access across Africa. Our goal is to reach 1,000,000 end-users by 2030, and this funding marks a critical step in that journey.”
The new funding will directly benefit approximately 2,582 households while supporting local job creation through Hydrobox’s community-focused operations. By providing dependable electricity, the startup enables businesses and individuals to thrive, fostering economic development in previously underserved regions.
Hydrobox’s collaboration with FMO and ElectriFI signals a growing confidence in the company’s ability to drive sustainable energy solutions across Africa. Hydrobox is scaling its operations in Kenya and expanding into the Democratic Republic of Congo, positioning itself to redefine clean energy access for millions.
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