Berthold Schirm, Senior advisor, GET.invest

GET.invest, a European programme that mobilises investment in renewable energy in developing countries, uses a Team Europe approach to its work, said GET.invest senior advisor Berthold Schirm. Team Europe comprises European Union institutions, including the European Investment Bank, Member States and their implementing organisations.

“Climate change is a clear and present danger. We can’t continue with fossil fuels. The technological solutions are there.

“The capital is there, but there are not enough bankable projects, so GET.invest is trying to bridge that gap and get [micro-enterprises] investment-ready,” he said.

GET.invest offers a specialised advisory support service to create a pipeline of investment-ready projects and is involved in the “mobilisation” of €1.3-billion in investment, that is providing an estimated 16 million people with access to energy and “saving” 1.1-million tonnes in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions every year, Schirm said.

GET.invest has received 112 applications for support from 288 companies/projects and has 132 clients in its portfolio, with 56 projects brought to financial closure.

GET.invest is a Team Europe “one-stop shop” for green energy investments, and has a six-year track record, Schirm added.