Decentralized Rural Energy Project

The project will promote the adoption of renewable energy by privately-owned and operated solar photovoltaic equipment supply and service operations. Barrier removal activities will address: insufficient information about the real PV market; high risk for rural credit providers; limited technological know-how and institutional capacity; and inadequate regulations. Project components include: installation of at least 125 kW of PV electric system; establishment of private PV installation and service companies; development of codes of practice and standards; and strengthening the capacity of the Agence d’Electrification Rurale to monitor and regulate private sector activities in the rural energy sector. The project will also result in reduced CO2 emissions totaling 13,000 tons over 15 years.