Ignite Power Welcomes Industry Veteran Paddy Padmanathan to Its Advisory Board
November 7, 2024 – Abu Dhabi: Ignite Power, a leading provider of distributed solar energy solutions across Africa, is proud to announce the appointment of Paddy Padmanathan, a globally recognized leader in renewable energy and former CEO of ACWA Power, to its Advisory Board. Mr. Padmanathan will leverage his decades of experience in large-scale energy infrastructure, policy development, and sustainability to support Ignite Power’s journey to connect 100 million people across Africa with distributed, sustainable, solar-based and digital utility solutions.
With his appointment, Mr. Padmanathan brings unparalleled insight into the energy sector. As the former CEO of ACWA Power, he led the development of some of the world’s largest renewable energy and desalination projects, spearheading solar and wind infrastructure across emerging markets. Under his leadership, ACWA Power became a dominant force in the renewable energy sector, delivering affordable and reliable clean energy solutions to underserved regions, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. His visionary approach to energy markets and policy has been instrumental in driving energy transition efforts on a global scale.
“We are thrilled to welcome Paddy Padmanathan to Ignite Power’s Advisory Board,” said Yariv Cohen, CEO of Ignite Power. “His extensive track record in renewable energy, coupled with his deep understanding of emerging markets, will be invaluable as we continue to accelerate our growth. Paddy’s experience will help us push forward our mission to build the distributed, digital utility of the future, and bring clean energy access to 100 million people across Africa.”
Since its founding, Ignite Power has emerged as a key player in Africa’s distributed energy landscape. The company operates across 9 African countries, delivering solar-based energy solutions to rural, off-grid communities, with a model that enables rapid deployment, affordability, and scalability. By providing customers with a wide range of solar-based solutions, from entry-level solar home systems to C&I projects, Ignite is addressing both the energy access gap and the digital divide, offering a transformative approach that goes beyond traditional utility models.
Africa’s energy market, particularly in rural areas, is witnessing a shift towards decentralized, off-grid solutions, driven by the increasing affordability of solar technology and the growing demand for reliable, clean energy. The continent’s energy access deficit remains substantial, with over 600 million people lacking electricity, but the rise of distributed solar solutions is proving to be a game changer. The off-grid solar market in sub-Saharan Africa alone is expected to reach $1.75 billion by 2025, with over 60 million systems to be deployed by that time.
Ignite Power has been at the forefront of this transformation, with a fast-growing customer base that has already impacted millions of people. The company’s advanced technology and innovative financing models, which provide affordable, pay-as-you-go solutions, have enabled even the most underserved communities to benefit from clean, reliable electricity. The addition of Mr. Padmanathan to its Advisory Board comes at a pivotal time as the company continues its rapid expansion across the region.
“I am honored to join Ignite Power’s Advisory Board,” said Paddy Padmanathan. “Having spent much of my career working on infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions for emerging markets, I have been impressed by Ignite Power’s vision, fast expansion, and innovative approach. The company’s focus on providing solar-based, digital utility solutions to underserved communities in Africa aligns perfectly with my own passion for creating sustainable impact. I look forward to contributing to the ambitious goal of connecting 100 million people and helping Ignite Power continue its transformative journey.”
