Technical assistance
Solar power. Domestic energy Information systems
Technical assistance to the decentralized rural electrification project through photovoltaic packages and mini grids supplied by mini hydropower or diesel stations (VOPS)
| Country : | Laos |
| Client : | Ministry of Mines and Energy of Lao, Department of Electricity |
| Start Date : | March 2006 |
| Completion Date : | December 2009 |
| Value of services : | 821 000$ |
| Funder : | World Bank |
| Associate/Partner : | SV Consultants |
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| Description : |
Currently, the programme was operating in 6 Provinces: Luang Nam Tha, Xayabury, Oudomxay, Phonsavan, Vientiane and Champasak. The objective of the present phase is to expand more widely to the whole territory of Lao PDR. There was tremendous potential in Lao PDR for installing village hydro and genset units. However, capacity in terms of site assessment and development is low in the country. VOPS, in the framework of its activities: developed procedures and training programme; train PESCos and PDIHs for implementation; investigated at least 20 potential sites for hydro sites. The main overall objectives of the REP include: • To provide electricity to villagers in remote areas of Lao PDR • To provide support to renewable energy utilization for rural villages in order to protect environment and natural condition • To help poor people by providing electricity for income generation activity in order to improve their quality of life |
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| Description of the Actual Services Provided | IED, in association with SV Consultants (based in Thaket, Khamouane Province, Lao PDR) set up a permanent office in Laos with two regional branches with the objective of: - Connecting 9 000 new households with solar photovoltaic systems; - Connecting 1000 new households with pico hydro systems and diesel backup; - Maintaining all the approximately 6000 connections (PV and pico hydro schemes) made under the first phase of SPRE 1 and the JICA supported programme; - Ensure that all systems are in good working order and provide good quality service; - Ensure that the Provincial Electricity Service Companies (PESCos) and their Village Electricity managers (VEMs) are appropriately trained and equipped to ensure sustainability of the installed systems. - Monitor and assure collection of all customer payments due – payment levels are between 1$ and 2.5$ per month depending on system sizes over a 10 year period. - Provide assistance for procurement of the solar and pico hydro systems required and formulation of the technical specifications – estimated amount available for hardware purchase: 1.5 M USD. - Formulate and implement country wide, under the VOPS programme, a Pico Hydro Safety and Awareness programme to overcome quality and safety problems. Pico hydro units (starting at 200W and costing under 30$) are widely imported from China and Vietnam and installed especially in the Northern Provinces of the country. |