AXS Energy
Expanding Access to Renewable Power at the Local Level
Opportunity
As the energy sector began to evolve toward more decentralized and inclusive solutions, distributed generation emerged as a powerful way to expand access to clean and affordable electricity. Against this backdrop, a new platform was created in 2021 to scale shared solar generation, building on decades of experience in renewable energy engineering, development, and investment.
The initiative set out to finance and operate a portfolio of fourteen solar photovoltaic plants across multiple regions, with a combined installed capacity of 39.7 MWp. Designed to serve households and small businesses, these plants would deliver renewable power through an innovative consortium model, allowing thousands of retail clients to access clean energy without the need to install systems on their own rooftops.
At the heart of the model is shared generation: clients join a consortium that leases solar farms and receives energy credits on their electricity bills. Supported by a favorable regulatory framework, participants benefit from reduced charges and taxes through 2045, resulting in average savings of around ten percent compared to traditional tariffs. A digital platform manages customer onboarding, billing, and ongoing service, enabling a seamless and transparent experience for a growing base of more than 8,500 clients. The strategy is firmly customer-centered, combining multi-channel outreach with dedicated teams focused on service quality and long-term relationships.
Approach
Turning this vision into a fully operational portfolio required a financing structure tailored to both scale and complexity. CIFI acted as Mandated Lead Arranger, structuring the transaction as a classic project finance solution that provided strong oversight of cash flows, assets, and permits.
The financing incorporated upfront equity contributions, contingency reserves, and a 48-month currency hedge to address key financial risks. Engineering, procurement, and construction responsibilities were entrusted to a specialized subsidiary with a proven track record in renewable projects, ensuring high standards of execution and timely delivery. Once operational, the plants would be maintained under market-standard agreements to guarantee performance and reliability over the long term.
A cornerstone of the transaction was the participation of the CIFI Sustainable Infrastructure Debt Fund, which contributed USD 17.5 million to the senior loan facility. Its involvement strengthened the project’s capital structure while reinforcing alignment with international environmental and social best practices. Combined with CIFI’s resources and those of other partners, the total financing package reached USD 31.3 million, providing the foundation needed to construct and commission the entire distributed solar portfolio. Throughout the process, rigorous due diligence, comprehensive risk mitigation, and a strong sustainability focus guided every stage of execution.
Outcome
By December 2025, all fourteen solar plants were fully operational, delivering tangible results. In 2025 alone, the operating plants reached a total installed capacity of 23 MW, generating 42,087 MWh of clean electricity and avoiding 25,210 tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions.
The project has expanded access to energy for more than 14,000 people and supported the creation and maintenance of 459 jobs, including 74 held by women. Its inclusive approach, combined with strong environmental and social management practices, has positioned the portfolio as a reference point for distributed solar development.
Beyond energy generation, the initiative delivers broader social and economic value. By lowering electricity costs and empowering local communities, it contributes directly to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, gender equality, sustainable cities, and climate action. The project demonstrates how innovative financing, technical expertise, and customer-focused business models can accelerate the energy transition, transforming sunlight into lasting impact for communities and the environment alike.
42k MWh
Energy generated per year
14.6k people
Benefited from access to energy per year
25k tCO2e
Emissions avoided per year
