In Bo District, a collaboration between the Ministry of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and UNOPS resulted to a public disclosure engagement regarding six solar mini-grid systems. This initiative aimed to provide vital information and a platform for local voices, fostering trust and engagement among the community. Funded by the Government of Japan, the Enhancing the Impact of Rural Renewable Energy Project targets areas like Naiagolehun and Petewoma, striving to boost electricity access and stimulate economic growth in these underserved rural communities.
While this project will inspire more growth in terms of investment due to improved quality of life and business environment, it will also likely create environmental and social (E&S) risks and negative impacts. In accordance with the EPA’s regulations, an updated Environment and Social Management Plan (ESMP) has been developed which specifies how these adverse E&S risks and impacts associated with the project activities should be avoided, reduced, and mitigated. Also, the ESMP details enhancement measures for anticipated positive impacts of the project such as carbon emissions reduction, reduced indoor pollution, reduction in negative pressure on women and girls, improved security, improved delivery of social services in health and education, employment generation, improved livelihoods, and grants opportunity and incentives for small-scale enterprises from other actors.
This project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7: Clean Energy. It supports the Energy Sector Roadmap and action plan which includes initiatives to increase energy access through technical and non-technical interventions developed by the MoE.
