Kenyan energy startup Hydrobox raises $9m in debt funding to support eight small hydro projects across four mini-grids in Kenya, providing over 10,000 people and local businesses with reliable, affordable electricity.
Hydrobox builds, owns and operates mini-grids in underserved regions. These mini-grids serve a combination of anchor clients like factories and farms, small businesses like schools, hospitals, shops, and restaurants, and households, all through an independent grid that offers accessible, reliable power.
The containerised hydro power plants lower construction costs, reduce production time, and facilitate deployment in hard-to-reach off-grid areas. Equipped with state-of-the-art IoT technology, each unit is remotely monitored and managed, maximizing efficiency and reducing downtime.
Hydrobox has secured a strategic US$9 million debt investment from FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, and EDFI Management Company, through ElectriFI, an EU impact investment facility focused on clean energy access in developing countries.
What the funds will be used for
The investment will support eight small hydro projects across four mini-grids, and is expected to provide electricity to approximately 2,582 households, benefiting over 10,000 individuals. These projects will deliver vital electricity to communities and businesses in need of reliable, affordable power.
By harnessing small local rivers, Hydrobox provides a sustainable, locally-sourced power solution that reduces dependency on fossil fuels, lowers carbon emissions, and supports job creation through close, on-the-ground service that ensures high-quality support.
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“Our partnership with reference investors FMO and ElectriFI serves as a quality label and recognition for the hard work our team has put in over the last few years. With strong partners on board and a substantial pipeline of upcoming projects in Kenya and the DRC, we are well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on energy access across Africa, aiming to reach 1,000,000 end-users by 2030. We thank everyone who has believed in and supported our journey,” said Thomas Poelmans, CEO and co-founder of Hydrobox.
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