Rural Energy Planning		  

EAA'S approach to energy planning

At EAA, we recognize the importance of incorporating the strengths and versatility of renewable energy sources into rural energy planning. Our approach is to provide energy suppliers, businesses and communities with the skills and resources they need to solve energy problems.

We start by identifying problems and priorities, and then helping local players solve energy problems using solutions that they can manage.

In implementing this approach, we

     advise clients on technology options
     connect rural businesses with sources of equipment
     help rural businesses to innovate with better technology and energy management skills
     disseminate information about new energy systems and devices
     assist the establishment of businesses and access to loans to purchase equipment

We then provide further assistance by

     linking communities with national and international financing opportunities and mechanisms
     improving the policy and institutional environment




















   

Helping communities access finance

EAA links companies and rural communities with finance by helping them develop project proposals to meet their priorities. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of  the United Nations Framework Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC), for instance,  provides  funding opportunities for sustainable development projects. EAA believes  such mechanisms have the potential to accelerate sustainable rural energy planning  and management.

EAA has:

- helped Somali NGOs access the UK National Lottery funds for a biomass   management and improved stoves project    

- assisted businesses and communities to develop sustainable projects under the   Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), e.g. tea industry fuel switching, bagasse   energy products in Kenya)

- studied the local feasibility of eight potential CDM projects in Kenya, two of   which are being further developed.

- assessed energy policy frameworks in the IGAD region

- undertaken energy auditing and energy management in rural institutions

  


For more information on CDM, and other sources of community finance, contact Mark Hankins






















   
Improving the policy and institutional environment

For rural energy planning to be effective and sustainable, a clear and balanced mix of economic, environmental, political and technical policies is needed. EAA works with governments, NGOs and donors in Eastern, Southern and the Horn of Africa to promote policies that facilitate the adoption of renewable energy technologies (RETs). To this end, EAA has lobbied to improve the policy and institutional framework for sustainable energy. EAA has also developed projects that promote continual policy dialogue between the government, the private sector and civil society.


For more information, contact Mark Hankins