46434-001: Supporting Participation in the Pacific Energy Summit
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TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE COMPLETION REPORT Division: PATE, PARD TA No., Country and Name Amount Approved: US$200,000 TA 8273-REG: Supporting Participation in the Pacific Energy Summit Revised Amount: N.A. Executing Agency: Source of Fund: Amount Undisbursed: Amount Utilized: Asian Development Bank TASF-IV ($84,000) and TASF-other sources $94,490.70 $105,509.30 ($116,000) TA Approval Date: TA Signing Date: Fielding of First TA Completion Date 14 December 2012 14 December 2012 Consultant: Original: 30 April 2013 Actual: 30 April 2013 1 February 2013 Account Closing Date Original: 30 April 2013 Actual: 30 July 2013 Description ADB provided a small-scale technical assistance (TA) to support Pacific Island Countries (PIC) in preparing inputs for their participation in the Pacific Energy Summit (PES). The intention of the PES was to facilitate tangible progress in implementing national energy plans by generating additional investment in the sector. The main objectives of the PES were to increase the sustainable generation of clean electricity, accelerate progress towards PIC renewable energy targets, and improve access to clean and affordable energy. The TA scope and objectives were in line with the sector strategy of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that supports deployment of renewable energy projects, responding to strong government interest in cleaner and diversified sources of energy for power generation. The TA facilitated close coordination with member countries and all other development partners active in the sector. Expected Impact, Outcome and Outputs The expected impact of the TA was increased deployment of renewable energy technologies in the Pacific Region. The expected outcome of the TA was enhancing the capacity of PIC governments in developing renewable energy targets and deploying sustainable generation of electricity. The expected key outputs of the TA were (i) drafted renewable energy road maps; (ii) drafted project briefs for renewable energy development; and (iii) support and coordination provided to PES participants during the event. Delivery of Inputs and Conduct of Activities One international consultant (3 person-months) was engaged as energy specialist to help conduct the TA. The key activities undertaken to produce the expected outputs were (i) reviewing existing national sector plans and existing renewable energy resource assessments, sector investment plans and feasibility studies; (ii) conducting consultations with national energy units, utilities, and regional organizations; and (iii) preparing project briefs as needed according to templates developed for the PES by the Government of New Zealand. The performance of the international energy specialist was rated excellent. ADB also contributed to hosting the summit venue. The PES was co-hosted by New Zealand and the European Union (EU), and held in Auckland, New Zealand from 24−26 March 2013 following on from the Pacific Leaders’ Energy Summit in Tonga. The Summit was attended by Heads of Government from the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Kiribati, New Caledonia, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau and Tonga as well as representatives from American Samoa, French Polynesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, Pitcairn, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna. Evaluation of Outputs and Achievement of Outcome The TA was successfully implemented with strong participation of key government officials and PIC representatives. The TA achieved its expected outputs: (i) five renewable energy road maps; and (ii) ten project briefs, according to instructions and format provided by the government of New Zealand. ADB prepared these outputs for the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Solomon Islands. Other development partners (World Bank, European Union, New Zealand and Australia) prepared additional road maps and project briefs for other PIC, for achieving a region-wide coverage. The TA achieved its expected outcome: At the conclusion of the PES, a funding envelope of $635 million had been secured to advance renewable energy projects across the Pacific. PICs presented 79 projects providing donors and the private sector with opportunities to identify projects for partnership and collaboration. Partners and donors responded by committing $255 million in grant funding and $380 million in concessional loans to support over 40 of the proposed projects. ADB’s contribution to the overall commitments was about $270 million in loans, grants, and technical assistance comprising pipeline activities over the three year period. Investors include co-hosts New Zealand, the European Union, Australia, ADB, European Investment Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, World Bank Group, and United Arab Emirates. Preparation of a solid framework for renewable energy road maps and project briefs resulted in stronger than expected support from other development partners to some governments, and meant that the entire TA budget was not required, thus resulting in considerable savings. Overall Assessment and Rating The TA is rated highly successful. All activities under the TA were fully completed with active participation of relevant government agencies. The TA was highly relevant in materializing the support funding envelope for renewable energy project funding. Major Lessons The TA showed that: (i) Bringing government officials, investors and relevant providers of works and services related to clean power generation with relevant alternative funding experience strengthened knowledge of market developments and practical experiences. (ii) Well prepared sector reforms are part of a holistic project readiness concept. It is important to support and follow up legal and regulatory frameworks. Recommendations and Follow-Up Actions ADB as the major player in the Pacific Region should actively participate in similar events in the future, to ensure follow up action on proposals and continue to build cooperation between governments and development partners. It may also be useful to draw lessons from nonregional stakeholders such as global agencies and Caribbean countries that may contribute with their own clean energy project development models and practical experiences. Prepared by: Paul Hattle__ Designation: Senior Climate Change and Clean Energy Specialist, SAEN In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. .