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At a Glance:
IIEC works collaboratively with national, local and community level partners in developing countries to provide robust models, policies and action plans for effective and sustainable implementation of clean energy technologies and services to improve the lives of rural communities. We integrate Renewable Energy (RE) technology into rural electrification markets in Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands.
Our work in this sector consists of feasibility studies, market assessment and development, policy research and comparative assessment of relevant technologies. IIEC’s projects focus on addressing knowledge gaps, and linking energy access to social development goals through policy assessments, framework development, design of knowledge materials, and training and capacity building of relevant stakeholders. We address the problem of low access to electricity in rural areas and insufficient capacity on the grid through installation of appropriate technologies for rural households.
Our Experience:
IIEC provides support to both public and private sector stakeholders in developing countries in order to enhance rural and peri-urban electrification planning, project development, and implementation. We design rural electrification programs that promote Energy Efficiency (EE), and support a livelihood based and a gender focused approach to energy access.
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The Challenge:
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Expanding the coverage of the grid electricity service and improving its quality pose formidable challenges, many of which are common to rural areas across developing countries. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach through effective rural electrification strategies and programs.
Rural areas are characterized by low population density and typically have a significant number of low-income households. The average household’s demand for electricity is low and generally peaks in the evening. Electricity distribution costs must also be spread among relatively few people, resulting in high costs for each unit of electricity consumed and high grid expansion costs. As a result, many poor households in rural and peri-urban areas thus have no access to the grid, which impacts their livelihoods.
Demand for electricity normally matures slowly as consumers invest in appliances, and make the switch from other fuels for their lighting and cooking. Designing and implementing rural electrification projects with a focus on clean and efficient technologies presents a key opportunity to minimize the costs and environmental impacts of the projects, and to maximize the financial and socio-economic benefits to a community or region. In order to increase access to clean, reliable energy for consumers of all kinds, we promote efficient grid connections and support off-grid Renewable Energy (RE) technologies.
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