19 June 2012: The Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) organized a “Knowledge Exchange Forum” to showcase energy challenges facing developing countries.

The Forum took place from 7-9 May 2012, in Washington, DC, US, with sessions focusing on: energy access for the urban and peri-urban poor, particularly access to clean cooking fuels and expanding electricity service; results-based approaches in the energy sector; renewable energy resource mapping; and planning tools to support low carbon development.

Discussions further highlighted alternative approaches to extending energy services to poor communities, including: combining community outreach and GIS technology to target locations for energy services rehabilitation in Indian slums; expanding connections for slum dwellers in Kenya by extending credit to low-income consumers and placing simple technologies in slums; and delivering liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a cooking fuel alternative for the urban poor.

The Forum followed six weeks of virtual consultation and discussion on urban and peri-urban energy access issues by over 100 experts from Africa, Asia and Latin America in February and March 2012.

ESMAP is a global knowledge and technical assistance program administered by the World Bank. Its Knowledge Exchange Forum brings together energy sector practitioners from different sectors and regions to exchange views and experiences on energy challenges. [ESMAP Press release] [Workshop Website with Presentations]