The project iams to improve energy services for the poor in rural areas of Bangladesh by increasing access to electricity, broadening the range of electrification options, and thereby creating alternatives to state-led provision of electricity services.

A Grant Agreement was signed on May 12, 2010.

The project will specifically address the problems of low access to electricity in rural areas and insufficient capacity on the grid through development of renewable energy mini-grids for village households and small to medium enterprises (timber mills, kiosks) with the aim being to extend electricity access to more than 5,000 households and/or enterprises.

GPOBA funds will buy down the cost of installing renewable energy mini-grids. The amount of grant financing to be provided is determined by  the outcome of a feasibility study, with the maximum grant limited to 50% of the system cost and  the remainder financed by IDCOL.

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Zubair Sadeque