New York – Innova Solar Colombia (“ISC”), a subsidiary company of the New York based Innova Capital Partners (“Innova”), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Norwegian Refugee Council (“NRC”) to form a collaboration to bring electricity to rural schools and community centers in Colombia’s non-interconnected zones. They will first focus on projects in the Department of Nariño and then also potentially expand to other areas of Colombia.
Innova and ISC have long believed in the need for a cooperative approach between the private and public sectors to address pressing needs such as rural electrification. The groups also intend to collaborate with multilaterals and NGOs, who can provide a benchmark for a sustainable solution.
This MoU defines the framework for cooperation between ISC and NRC for the development, structuring, and implementation of both a technological solution via solar installations as well as training and knowledge transfer. The NRC, under their framework of strategy for “Accommodation and Infrastructure” develops activities to contribute with the solutions of transitional/permanent educational facilities as part of the support to durable solutions in contexts of areas of difficult access. Among the activities to improve school infrastructure, technical support is contemplated for the delivery and installation of equipment, such as solar energy systems, energy storage batteries and infrastructure.
“This agreement will allow both organizations to join forces to promote the development of renewable energy projects for the benefit of rural communities in Colombia. By bringing energy to these communities and especially to schools we can improve educational outcomes for children and youth in the most remote areas of the country.” said Marlon Acevedo Rios, Director of Projects, Innova Solar Colombia.
About Innova Capital Partners
Innova Capital Partners (“Innova”) is a global investor with a focus on disruptive innovations. Innova invests in projects and companies at various stages of their development cycle and partners with industry-leading management teams, franchises, and companies positioned for significant growth.
About The Norweigian Refugee Council
The Norwegian Refugee Council (“NRC”) is an independent humanitarian organization helping people forced to flee. We work in crises in 31 countries, where we help save lives and rebuild futures. Since 1991, NRC has been active in the Colombia, where millions of people have been forcibly displaced.