Renewable Energy Generation and Access Increase Project

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The project will increase the share of renewable energy generation, improve electricity service in targeted islands and strengthen the capacity (including gender inclusion) of key energy sector entities. The Project will fund renewable energy integration, distribution network and resilience enhancement upgrades, new hybrid mini grids, technical assistance, and implementation support. The Project activities are grouped into three components.Component 1 will support renewable integration and network upgrade. It will fund detailed studies, designs, supply, installation, commissioning, and supervision of 6.6 MW of distributed, grid-connected solar PV systems (including solar PV modules, BESS, inverters, transformers, control systems, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), necessary roof strengthening or structure erection, and any other ancillary equipment) in Majuro and Ebeye grids. In addition, it will upgrade selected feeders or distribution line segments (to enable additional renewable energy transfer), replace underground cable splices by elevated sectionalizing cabinets, raise some pad-mounted transformers and switchgears above surrounding levels, and supply critical/emergency operational vehicles and equipment. Component 2 will improve the quality of electricity access in Arno and Ine Islands and add renewable energy in the generation mix for four other islands (Jaluit, Wotje, Rongrong, and Kili). It will fund detailed studies, designs, supply, construction, commissioning, and supervision of hybrid mini grids in Arno and Ine islands as well as the installation of service drops with prepaid meters and power distribution panels for in-house connection. It will also fund detailed studies, designs, supply, installation, commissioning, and supervision of solar PV panels, BESS, inverters, and controls near diesel power plants in Jaluit, Rongrong, Wotje, and Kili.Component 3 aims to strengthen the sector, increase MEC and KAJUR's capabilities, and resource MEC’s PIU adequately to execute the Project. It will provide international multi-disciplinary expertise, prepare energy efficiency regulation and e-mobility policies, conduct energy efficiency campaigns, develop a renewable energy database, and fund prefeasibility studies to identify further renewable energy investments. In addition, the component will enhance the capacity of MEC and KAJUR on design, operation, and maintenance of renewable energy technologies through a combination of international consultant expertise, and gender-sensitive apprenticeship program, internship, and retention policies. Furthermore, the component will fund consulting and non-consulting services, goods, and operating costs to enable MEC’s project implementation unit to manage the project over its duration.