15 August 2012: The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has partnered with GSMA, a global association representing the interests of mobile phone operators, to increase use of green-power technologies at network sites in areas with limited or no grid-power access.

The IFC-GSMA agreement is part of the larger “Green Power for Mobile” program, which promotes establishing renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power, for mobile network towers in rural areas worldwide. The US$821,000 grant will be used to develop over 10,000 green mobile-power sites within a four-year span, mainly in 10 developing countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The IFC grant money also will support developing efficient industry standards, providing technical training, and promoting sustainable business practices. [IFC Press Release]