A total of 22 projects have been shortlisted for this year’s loans to be given by Abu Dhabi Development Fund (ADFD) in co-ordination with International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) for renewable energy projects in developing countries.

These included solar PV (photovoltaic) broadening energy access, geothermal energy on-grid, small hydropower for small communities, hybrid solar and wind energy for rural electrification and bio pellet production combined with solar to reduce deforestation, reported the Gulf News.

Nearly 80 project summary applications were received by the February 15 deadline this year, said the report.

Thirty-four applications were shortlisted by the panel of experts based on the projects’ potential to be transformative, replicable and innovative. The capacity to improve energy access and energy security was also considered.

The project applications represented Asia, Africa, Latin America and small island developing states.

There were more projects from Asia, including a mix of geothermal projects and a hybrid project, said the report.