BACKGROUND – DERISKING SUSTAINABLE OFF-GRID LIGHTING SOLUTIONS
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are working with the Nigeria Government to implement a climate change mitigation project titled “Derisking Sustainable Off-grid Lighting Solutions” in Nigeria. The overall objective of this project is to develop a private sector-led technology value for making off-grid renewable energy technologies, such as solar lanterns and solar home systems, available to base-of-pyramid rural households who would not be electrified at least until after 2025. The project rationale is underpinned by a novel approach to derisk private sector investments in the market for rural decentralised renewable energy access. This will be achieved through three outcomes: i. putting in place appropriate policies, programmed and regulations that address policy, awareness and financial barriers to facilitate investment in sustainable off-grid lighting solutions and corresponding business models; ii. off-grid lighting providers are operating and have access to working capital and equipment; and iii. good practices, lessons learned, market assessments, demand-supply surveys, delivery models and business models are documented to support replication and scaling-up of project results. In the light of the foregoing, consultants are required to conduct these activities and present findings before stakeholders. Consultants must carry out their work to guarantee the accuracy and pertinence of the project objectives.
OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The primary objective of this assignment is to engage a Local Finance Expert to support the International Derisking Renewable Energy Investment (DREI) Expert to:
1. Perform modelling on the cost-effectiveness of alternative financing schemes.
2. Monitor changes in private investors’ risk profiles and develop financing schemes accordingly.
SCOPE OF WORK
• Conduct detailed modelling and assessment of the cost-effectiveness of alternative financing schemes for SHS.
• Analyze different financing schemes to determine their impact on reducing investment risks and improving the attractiveness of SHS investments for private investors.
• Develop a framework for monitoring changes in private investors’ risk profiles over time.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including financial institutions, private investors, and relevant government agencies, to gather insights and validate the findings of the assessments.
• Prepare comprehensive reports detailing the findings of the assessments, including recommendations for improving financing schemes.