Energising Development project in the founding states of the Mano River Union: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea

Project description

Title: Energising Development Liberia Country Programme
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy
Overall term: 2012 to 2018

 

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Context

Very few people have access to electricity in the countries where the Energising Development (EnDev) initiative operates. In Liberia and Sierra Leone, this figure is approximately 10 per cent to 12 per cent of the urban population and only around 2 per cent of the rural population. In Guinea, around half of the urban and 10 per cent of the rural population have access. Petrol or diesel generators are often used because most of the region lacks a stable public power supply. Kerosene, battery lamps or candles are mainly used for lighting. Many people cook with firewood or charcoal. There is significant potential for the use of renewable energy, particularly solar energy and hydroelectric power. The governments have launched national programmes to promote renewable energy sources.

Objective

The people in the project region have better access to a sustainable, modern, reliable, affordable, socially responsible and environmentally friendly energy supply.

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Approach

Energising Development (EnDev) is a global initiative in 26 countries that GIZ is implementing on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Donor countries are Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. EnDev has been active in Liberia since 2012; in 2014, the project activities were expanded to the neighbouring countries of Sierra Leone and Guinea. EnDev cooperates with government institutions, national and local non-governmental organisations, donors and the private sector.

Sustainable solar energy systems. EnDev is involved in the installation of solar energy systems for medical facilities and schools. The team provides technical support and maintains a hotline for repairs. It is also a pioneer in the introduction of solar energy systems for offices and petrol stations as well as for mini-grids, which are small networks in remote, off-grid regions.

Functioning markets for PicoPV products. PicoPV products are small solar lamps and solar energy systems for households. EnDev strengthens sellers and helps the sector overcome market obstacles. International product standards guarantee high product quality.

Marketing to raise awareness. A wide range of marketing activities are supported. With the ‘solar vehicle’ equipped with solar panels from EnDev, music can be played, movies shown, popcorn offered and, at the same time, information can be provided about renewable energy and products.

Solar dryers for cocoa farmers. EnDev developed a solar dryer in cooperation with local cooperatives. They dry the beans more quickly and improve the quality of the harvested cocoa, thus helping to boost the farmers’ incomes.

Improved cooking technologies. Most of the population cooks with firewood or charcoal. EnDev supports the development, construction and marketing of improved stoves that use less energy, emit fewer pollutants, reduce cooking time and are more durable. Metal workers were trained to strengthen local production. EnDev conducts tests and also improves large stoves, for example for school kitchens.

Strengthening expertise and resources. Training courses are important for teaching technical knowledge and skills and strengthening local resources for the sustainable use of renewable energy. EnDev plans the workshops for electricians, students or sellers in the energy sector depending on demand.

IT solutions. EnDev develops IT solutions to strengthen the renewable energy sector. A smartphone app is used to collect data that is archived, analysed and visualised. Websites created by EnDev serve as platforms for the different stakeholders to exchange ideas, cooperate and bring about mutually reinforcing effects in the sector.

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Results

Reducing energy poverty has a positive impact on social and economic life, for example, on education and healthcare, on living and working conditions, security, gender equality, environmental protection and food. Worldwide, more than 17 million people have been supplied with energy by EnDev. In Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea – as a result of project activities – access to modern energy services and technologies had been provided to approximately 69,000 people, 790 institutions and 2,200 companies by the middle of 2017.

Additional information