The Africa Renewable Energy Fund will be spending $20 million for geothermal and other renewable energy projects and plans to raise $200 million. The fund is also eyeing a series of geothermal projects in East Africa.

The $200 million will be used to invest in renewable energy production  in sub-Saharan Africa, which is managed by Berkeley Energy, a fund manager whose board includes former KenGen chief executive Eddie Njoroge.

AREF will invest in hydro, wind, solar and geothermal and biomass companies that have the potential to generate between 10 and 50 megawatts. The CDC said its cash commitment is meant to fill the funding gap in Africa’s energy sector which is seen as unattractive to many investors.

“This requires a major increase in power supply to the region and renewable energy has a vital role to play. Yet despite significant, untapped renewable energy resources, sub-Saharan Africa continues to trail the rest of the world in obtaining funds for renewable energy projects,” said CDC Africa regional director Dolika Banda.

The AREF team based in Nairobi has already identified potential investments.

“The fund is assessing a number of investment opportunities including a geothermal project in Ethiopia, hydro projects in Uganda and Sierra Leone and wind power businesses in West Africa,” said CDC in a statement.