Optimizing Off-Grid Microgrids

Dean Cooper
Global Sector Co-ordinator, Innovative Finance
SNV (The Hague, Netherlands)


Dean Cooper is currently Co-ordinator of Innovative Finance for SNV, the Dutch Development Organisation, and Chair of the Steering Committee for the SEforAll Clean Energy Mini-Grids Partnership. He has worked closely with the public and private sectors, aiming to achieve practical results for clean energy access, particularly in developing countries. He previously spent 7 years as Energy Finance Programme Manager with the United Nations Environment Programme in Paris, focusing on how to scale-up investment for building sustainable clean energy technology markets.

Prior to joining UNEP, Dean completed an MBA (distinction) before establishing the business Parallax-Sustainable Development Solutions in South Africa and the UK, focused on energy-related sectors. His prior experience included the Best Practice Programme of the national UK Energy Agency, followed by 4 years as Head of Co-operation with Developing Countries for the European Commission's Energy Directorate. He was then seconded to the Department of Minerals and Energy in South Africa to build EU/SA energy development co-operation, and transferred this work to Botswana for closer links with the Southern Africa Development Community.