The UK and US have teamed up to help millions of people in Africa get access to clean energy.

They aim to develop networks to share power across borders and harness geothermal resources to boost access to electricity across the continent.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the countries was signed at COP21 in Paris. They will work with African governments, donors and private sector organisations.

Together, the UK’s Energy Africa campaign and the US’s Power Africa initiative will help leverage private investment.

The Energy Africa campaign aims to accelerate universal energy access in sub-Saharan Africa by boosting the household solar market. Power Africa aims to add at least 30,000MW of cleaner electrical power capacity.

The MoU ensures the two nations will work together to boost investment in clean energy, expand off-grid energy and help more women participate in the energy sector.

UK International Development Minister Nick Hurd said: “It is shocking 600 million Africans still live without power at home. This is not just holding back individuals; it is holding back an entire continent.

“No one can tackle Africa’s energy challenge alone. We will only make progress if we work together. That is why this new partnership is so important.”

Scotland is investing £12 million in the next four years to help reduce the impact of climate change on the world’s poorest communities.

The UK Government also recently pledged to support the energy industry in Nigeria.