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Amazonia Energy Initiative - n/a Environment: Forestry, Energy & Environmental Services Brazil 2006 - 2007 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) |
Bringing Electricity to Amazonia
RATIONALETraditional rural communities in the Amazon region of Brazil either aren't served by power systems or rely on poor-quality, unsustainable generation systems, typically running on diesel. The goals of the Luz para Todos program (the Brazilian government's universal access program) require innovative approaches to financing, regulatory issues, and institutions. For two years, Winrock has been working on the PRISMA concept, which works to overcome stumbling blocks to providing energy to villages far from the electric grid.
Many institutions are working towards developing energy solutions for Amazonia, but most efforts are technology-driven, primarily supported by research and development funds. Project-level sustainability has deserved increased attention, but the institutional and financial framework that would allow promotion of these initiatives is almost untouched.
OBJECTIVES
This project aims to design and begin the Amazonia Energy Initiative (Energia da Amazonia), which will increase energy access for isolated communities in the Amazon region while promoting productive and efficient energy use.
The project has the following innovation components: focusing on an institutional/financing model fully replicable under the Luz para Todos program; mitigating complex regulatory changes; improving the project's sustainability; and assuring that the main stakeholders are fully engaged and committed, in order to mitigate risks.
ACTIVITIES
To carry out its objectives, Winrock will hold stakeholders' meetings to discuss improved and innovative financing and technical assistance schemes, including organization of a workshop in Brasilia. Winrock will facilitate institutionalization of the projects according to the PRISMA model. Other activities will include finalizing the design of the Amazonia Energy Initiative components, dissemination of information, and discussions with private investors.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Accomplishments will be reported as the project progresses.