Drawing lessons from eight cases studies, the report identifies common barriers facing the urban poor in achieving access to safer, cleaner and legal sources of energy, as well as innovative approaches adopted by all stakeholders.
The eight case studies focus on electrification and clean fuels in India, Bangladesh, Colombia and Brazil.
5 May 2012: The Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) has published a report titled “Innovative approaches to energy access for the urban poor: summaries of best practices from case studies in four countries.” The objective of this review of case studies is to share lessons learned in successful energy access initiatives to provide a point of reference for energy practitioners.
The report indicates that rapid urban growth in developing countries has created an unprecedented demand for energy services, in turn presenting enormous challenges for cities trying to improve energy access to urban communities. The eight case studies focus on electrification and clean fuels in India, Bangladesh, Colombia and Brazil. They identify barriers to energy access experienced by the urban poor, innovative approaches to finding solutions, and the role of communities, service providers and governments in successfully providing access to modern energy services. The report indicates that common enabling factors, such as collaborative stakeholder engagement, community empowerment and project financing, were critical in developing new skills within the communities and promoting micro-enterprises as energy service providers.
Common barriers facing the urban poor in achieving access to safer, clear and legal sources of energy include: high cost of service; illegal status of slum dwellers; lack of education and awareness; lack of trust between communities and service providers; lack of infrastructure; empowering communities; collaborative engagement of multiple stakeholders; using simple, innovative technologies; access to credible information; enabling policy environments; and establishment of financial and institutional mechanisms to ensure continued access to energy services.
ESMAP is a global, multidonor technical assistance trust fund administered by the World Bank and cosponsored by 12 official bilateral donors. [Publication: Innovative Approaches to Energy Access for the Urban Poor: Summaries of Best Practices from Case Studies in Four Countries]