This project will develop and promote adoption of policy frameworks for energy efficiency and support the energy efficiency of households and buildings in Bujumbura city. The project will remove barriers to Burundi's low-carbon development by improving the efficiency of the electricity system and promoting small hydro development.

The project consists of several related components built on a foundation of a significant World Bank effort to improve electricity supply and delivery in Burundi. The baseline project components with only World Bank funding are:

1(b): Rehabilitation of transmission and distribution network

1(c): Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies of small sized hydro-power plants

1(d): Improved revenue collection

The GEF funded and World Bank co-financed components are:

1(e) A Distribution and promotion of compact fluorescent lights (CFL)

1(e) B Utility energy audits

1(e) C Promotion of energy efficiency (EE) investments by large consumers

The direct emissions benefits are 28,000 tons of CO2e/year or approximately 140,000 tons of CO2e over the 5-year project lifetime. Indirect emissions benefits are up to 350,000 tons of CO2e over the 5-year project lifetime. Cost-effectiveness is approximately $3.5/ton CO2e avoided.

Minutes of negotiation have been received, confirming co-financing levels for the Government and IBRD/IDA.