“We’re searching for what we call ‘tipping point’ projects;” says Martin Hiller, who took over the Director General position at REEEP last December, “which means we want to fund initiatives that will push clean energy solutions up the growth curve, as opposed to one-off pilot projects.”

REEEP is seeking ‘tipping point’ proposals in five key thematic areas: scaling up successful business models, supporting off-grid generation, harnessing the benefits of clean energy in both food production and in reliable water supply, and opening up energy data in emerging markets.  The maximum amount of funding per project is €150,000, so preference will be given to those who bring significant co-funding to the mix. Businesses, project developers, governments, regulators and development institutions are all encouraged to apply.

This funding round is made possible by donations from the governments of Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Geographically, REEEP’s traditional focus on the key emerging markets of Brazil, China, India and South Africa is now widened to include Colombia and Peru, Ghana, Indonesia and Vietnam thanks to Swiss funding.

“Switzerland has chosen to support REEEP’s 9th programme cycle because we’re impressed with the Partnership’s track record in identifying and funding projects that have a wide effect on market development,” says Hans-Peter Egler, Head of Trade Promotion – Economic Development and Cooperation at Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), “and REEEP’s focus on clean energy in developing countries fits perfectly the priorities of the Swiss economic development cooperation by SECO under its UNFCCC fast start financing.”

“Norway has supported REEEP since 2006 and welcomes its increasing focus on scaling up clean energy businesses in developing countries. This is in line with the approach of the International Energy and Climate Initiative (Energy+), and Norway is delighted to be providing funds for the Partnership’s ninth call,” commented Aslak Brun, Head of the Section for Climate Change, Global Health and Sustainable Development in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The United Kingdom has been a strong supporter of all REEEP funding cycles to date,” noted Chris Barton, REEEP’s Chairman of the Board and Head, International & Domestic Energy Security at the Department of Energy and Climate Change, “and this ninth call for proposals focusses on several vital topics including the role of clean energy in food production and in the supply of water, as well as its role in widening energy access.”

The application process is internet-based and streamlined, with the goal of selecting the 30 projects to be funded by mid-December 2012. For full, detailed information on REEEP’s 9th call for proposals and how to apply go to http://call4proposals.reeep.org