BI-Energy Sector Rehab.

closed

The broad objectives of the project are to promote rational energy policies and to strengthen the efficient management of energy resources. Specifically, the project aims to: (1) develop efficient institutions in the sector and improve the quality of public investment; (2) improve the efficiency in the use of energy resources through reforms in the pricing structure of electricity, petroleum products and woodfuels; (3) expand the access of the population to electricity; and (4) reduce negative environmental effects for the use of energy through the execution of charcoal efficiency and improved stoves program. The project has two main components: institutional reform and small investments in biomass, household energy and power. The credit will support: (a) institutional strengthening of the Directorate of Energy and the Directorate of Water Resources and Rural Energies; (b) a rehabilitation program for Regie de distribution d'eau et d'electricite (REGIDESO); (c) feasibility studies for selected hydropower plants and an update of the Power Sector Master Plan; (d) a charcoal efficiency program to disseminate improved techniques of production and sensitize charcoalers to the issue of deforestation; (e) an improved charcoal stoves program; (f) a household energy survey and a study of peat substitution; (g) a Master Plan for rural electrification; (h) extensions and new connections for the distribution system; and (i) improvements in the transmission system.