Ben GarsideResearcher, Sustainable Markets GroupInternational Institute for Environment & Development

Lessons from the small solar sector:potential synergies for Nigeria

Roundtable on Sustainable Power to the PeoplePort Harcourt, Nigeria 5th March 2014

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Ben GarsideMarch 2014Introduction

• Small-scale energy production is vital and lacks political attention

• 55% of new electricity needs to be ‘decentralised’ to meet goals on access for all

• There is much to learn from experiences of small-scale. Two key challenges: 1) How to achieve the big challenge of lots of small?

2) How to make sure solutions work and give real benefits?

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Ben GarsideMarch 2014

Case study 1: ‘Green mini-grids’ – lessons from Nepal, Kenya and Peru

• Consider technical, economic, social, environmental and institutional dimensions; aim to improve overall development prospects

• Generate a sense of local responsibility for electricity system and maintenance; separate project management from ownership, with checks and balances

• Tailor system to local needs, desires and cultural specificities, esp. choice of management model

Reference: Yadoo (2012)

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Ben GarsideMarch 2014Case 1 (cont.)

• Future-proof systems by including demand growth margins in the original project design; risk analysis

• Try to influence the enabling environment (e.g. raise awareness of technologies, train technicians, improve access to finance, engage in policy dialogue)

• Engage private sector in partnerships , hybrid models

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Ben GarsideMarch 2014Case study 2: The SUNGAS project:

community projects in Nigeria

• Challenges of community-based projects: • Culture of maintenance lacking• Willingness to pay & expectations• Negative perceptions of solar products

• Tailored small-scale models• Advocacy and awareness raising

flickr/Wayan Vota

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Ben GarsideMarch 2014Useful Publications

• Bellanca R. & Garside B. (2013) An approach to designing energy delivery models that work for people living in poverty, CAFOD & IIED http://pubs.iied.org/16551IIED.html

• Wilson, E., Godfrey Wood, R. and Garside, B. (2012) Sustainable energy for all? Linking poor communities to modern energy services, IIED http://pubs.iied.org/16038IIED.html

• Yadoo, A. (2012) Delivery Models for Decentralised Rural Electrification: Case studies in Nepal, Peru and Kenya, IIED http://pubs.iied.org/16032IIED.html

• Wilson, E. and Garside B (2010) Powering change in low-income energy markets, IIED Opinion Paper http://pubs.iied.org/17093IIED.html

• Newsom C (2012) Can renewable energy turn Nigeria's lights on? http://pubs.iied.org/G03519.html

• Eleri E et al (2012) Low-carbon energy development in Nigeria. Challenges and opportunities http://pubs.iied.org/G03518.html

• Also see the SUNGAS project website: http://www.sungas-nigeria.org

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Ben GarsideMarch 2014

Thank you for your attention!Contact: ben.garside@iied.org

www.iied.org/energy

Credit: G.M.B. Akash/PANOS