Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Development

This project promotes solar energy in rural areas implemented by successful and well established Bangladeshi institutions. These include, rural electricity cooperatives, community-based organizations, NGOs, microfinance institutions and the private sector. The project provides a package of interventions to support these institutions in overcoming key market barriers: a) increasing awareness of SHS among consumers and providers; b) building technical and management capacity to design, implement and evaluate SHS programs; c) providing technical and business development support to implementing institutions; d) introducing standards and programs for testing and certification, e) financing grants to buy-down capital costs and increase affordability of SHS; f) promoting electricity as a means for income generation and social wellness; and g) identifying mechanisms to promote sustainability and replicability. Multiple approaches to SHS delivery are being proposed, including a “fee-for-service” program through rural electricity cooperatives, purchase supported by micro-credit through NGOs and microfinance lenders, and hire-purchase/direct sale programs by private dealers and NGOs.