OFID-REEEP call for energy access project proposals
Vienna, 30.09.2011 - REEEP International Secretariat
OFID-funded programme cycle will target Least Developed Countries
REEEP has announced a new programme cycle which is made possible by the support of the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID). This targeted initiative could fund up to three high-quality projects that improve energy access for the poor in one or more of the OFID priority countries that cover all Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
The OFID-REEEP funding cycle seeks innovative clean energy solutions that widen energy access and alleviate poverty using innovative financing, business and regulatory approaches. The maximum funding amount per project is US$150,000 but in addition, proposals must demonstrate that they have at least 50% co-financing secured from other sources. Projects should also demonstrate that they are income-generating and self-sustaining after their implementation period of 12 months.
“For many years, OFID has been increasing its emphasis on projects that bring energy to the poor,” says Suleiman J. Al-Herbish, Director-General of OFID, “and we are pleased that REEEP, another Vienna-based organisation, is specialized in exactly this type of delivery. We look forward to working with REEEP as a valued partner in improving energy access in the regions where the need is the most urgent.”
Marianne Osterkorn, Director General of REEEP says: "We feel proud that OFID have chosen REEEP as a specialist delivery vehicle for continuing its impressive efforts to address energy poverty in developing countries. We sincerely hope that this call will lay the groundwork for a long-term partnership with OFID.”
“We see this programme cycle as an additional effort from REEEP to support the 2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for All,” notes Binu Parthan, REEEP’s Deputy Director General in charge of Programmes, “with this partnership we are also going beyond our traditional donor base and targeting several least developed countries for the first time.”
The deadline for submitting full proposals was 21st October 2011, and the application window is now closed. The evaluation process is now under way, and selected projects will be published on 31st January 2012.
About OFID
The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) is a multilateral development institution that was established following the First OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) Heads of State Summit in Algiers, Algeria in 1975, with the purpose of channelling OPEC aid to developing countries in the spirit of South-South Cooperation. OFID’s support has reached more than 120 countries since its inception, and has different financing mechanisms such as public sector loans, private sector loans, trade finance facilitation,and grants. Since 2007, OFID has increased its emphasis on supporting energy projects for the poor, and have recently established an energy grant account to support these projects in developing countries. Further information is provided on the OFID website: www.ofid.org
About REEEP
The Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) is a non-profit change agent specialised in boosting the market conditions for clean energy in emerging markets and developing countries. The Partnership was established in 2002 and is now comprised of more than 350 partners including 45 governments. REEEP has funded 150 projects to date, designed to either assist governments in creating stable regulatory and policy frameworks, or to promote innovative finance and business models to activate the private sector. It developsand supports stakeholder networks such as the Energy Efficiency Coalition (EEC), the Sustainable Energy Regulation Network (SERN) and Renewable Energy and International Law (REIL). The Partnership also operates a clean energy information platform (www.reegle.info).