Training for solar technologies and inspection of installations of solar kiosks

World Bank

Aug 2015

ERG provided technical and business training for Solar Kiosk owners and operators in the South Omo and Gambella zones of Ethiopia. The technical training included solar system design, operation and service; the business training included solar system promotion and marketing. ERG inspected 20 Solar Kiosks in the two zones.

Winner of the Powering Africa Off-Grid

Challenge 2014

USADF/USAID

Dec 2014 – Dec 2015

ERG won of the Powering Africa Off-Grid Challenge 2014 from the USADF/USAID. ERG  designed and installed 6  micro-wind turbines in 6 villages in the Amhara Regional State to supply power to 300 households, 4 enterprises and a primary school. This project is the first of its kind in Ethiopia where wind powered mini-grid is used to provide power to rural consumers.

Wind energy resource mapping and measurement

for Ethiopia

World Bank

May 2015 - May 2017

ERG is a counterpart for the Belgian consulting firm 3E and the Danish Technical University DTU to conduct wind energy resource mapping for Ethiopia under a World Bank assignment in 2015. ERG provides GIS maps for geology, infrastructure and land use. ERG identifies and selects location for wind measurement mast installation, supervises installation of the masts and data collection.

National Improved Cook Stove (NICS) program support in Ethiopia

Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy

Mar 2015 – Mar 2017

ERG in association with the UK firm Practical Action Consulting (PAC) is conducting capacity building support for the National Improved Cook stove program of the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy (MOWIE) during 2015-2017. ERG leads the stove development technical team, and provides experts for strategy formulation, promotion and marketing and monitoring and evaluation.

Cooking energy efficiency improvement in eight regional detention centers

International Committee of the Red Cross

Jan – Aug 2015

ERG helped the ICRC install 84 community size improved cook stoves serving more than 5,000 detainees in eight regional detention centers in Ethiopia. ERG conducted cooking energy needs assessment, improved the design of the existing Rocket Stove, helped stove producers manufacture the improved stoves, and installed the stoves and trained cooks on their operation.

Assessing the Energy Potential of SMEs in Ethiopia

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

Jan – Jul 2015

Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Ethiopia depend on wood and petroleum fuels to meet their thermal energy needs.  Such dependence has negative consequences on the sustainability of forests and businesses. ERG conducted surveys in SMEs to evaluate the demand for thermal energy and the potential market for biomass gasifiers in such industries.

Agro industries as Drivers of Rural

Electrification

University College London

Dec 2014 – Dec 2015

ERG conducted survey of energy use and resource access for agro-industries in Ethiopia to evaluate the potential for heat and power generation from local resources from agro-industries. This study evaluated the feasibility of promoting agro-industries developers of local resources to increase energy access in off-grid areas.

Baseline survey for a Results Based Financing of improved stoves in Ethiopia

GIZ Energy Coordination office (Ethiopia)

Dec 2013 – Apr 2014

ERG was hired to conduct a baseline household energy survey in a new program area for the GIZ. ERG prepared survey instruments, conducted the survey (including questionnaire based household survey and focus groups), analyzed survey findings and proposed strategies for effective implementation of the new program.

Development of locally appropriate renewable energy projects

Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy

Jul 2013 – Jan 2014

ERG conducted needs assessment, renewable energy resource assessment, and evaluated the feasibility of a selected set of RE systems in two administrative zones of Ethiopia. ERG developed four Project Implementation Documents (PIDs) to promote wind electric, solar electric, improved stove, and improved alcohol distillation technologies for the client.

Project development for the DFID funded Strategic Climate Institutions Programme

Christian Aid Ethiopia

Jul 2013

ERG supported the client develop a project to promote Solar Kiosks (SKs) and River Current Turbines (RCTs) in the pastoral and agro-pastoral communities of the South Omo zone and the Gambella region. These technologies will contribute to building the resilience of the pastoral communities to climate change through increased productivity.

Market Intelligence for the Lighting Africa project of the World Bank/IFC

World Bank

Apr – Jun 2013

ERG evaluated the market for off-grid lighting, focusing on solar PV systems in Ethiopia. Specific tasks undertaken include assessment of current lighting using structured questionnaires and focus groups; evaluation of the policies for promoting solar lighting systems, and recommending specific strategies to address barriers for widespread application of solar lighting in Ethiopia.

Manual development and training for design, installation and service of PV and wind water pumping systems

Ministry of Water and Energy, Ethiopia

Jun – Sep 2013

Development of design, operation and service manual for water pumping with PV and wind power for rural water supply. The manual will be used by government agencies and their experts at regional, zone and Wereda level to design and implement solar and wind water pumping systems.

Evaluation of improved wood stove and solar lighting interventions in the Dollo Ado refugee camp in Ethiopia

World Vision Ethiopia

Mar – Apr 2013

ERG evaluated the adoption of improved wood stoves (the “Tikikil” wood stove) and solar lanterns distributed in the Dollo Ado refugee camps by the client. Households were surveyed (questionnaire based household surveys, focus groups, local stakeholder discussions) to evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of the project.

Local representation of Potential Energy  to promote the Berkeley-Ethiopia stove in Ethiopia

Potential Energy

Feb 2013 – Present

ERG is representing PE to facilitate the promotion of its improved wood stove. PE is implementing this project in association with SNV Ethiopia. ERG is evaluating the potential to manufacture the new wood stove in Ethiopia; ERG is also assisting PE and SNV in evaluating local requirements for improved stoves.

Rural Household Energy Needs Assessment Baseline survey

Horn of Africa Regional Environment Center and Network (HOAREC/N)

 Nov 2012 - Feb 2013

This project will increase energy access through renewable energy and energy efficiency in six districts of Ethiopia. ERG will collect and document the baseline conditions for the project. Main activities include consultation with stakeholders at the federal, regional, and local levels and conducting a household survey in 480 households.

Cooking fuel efficiency promotion in 5 federal prisons in Ethiopia

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Ethiopia

Jan 2013 - Feb 2013

Food for inmates is cooked with wood on the open fire resulting in great financial burden on administrators. The project improves energy efficiency and reduces pollutant emissions. ERG evaluated energy requirements; made energy efficiency recommendations; designed and supervised production of improved wood stoves; and provided user training for the project.

Final Evaluation of the Community Managed Renewable Energy Project (CMREP)

Plan International, Ethiopia

Jul 2012 - Sep 2012

The objective of the CMREP project is to improve access to essential services (health, education, and potable water) in rural communities through increased access to energy services. ERG carried out the final evaluation f this project. In particular ERG evaluated the project’s rationale and logic, relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.

Development of micro hydropower and solar systems for an eco-lodge

Jember PLC, Ethiopia

Aug 2012 - Oct 2012

The client is developing an eco-lodge in the Bale National Park which requires alternative sources of energy for electric appliances as well as thermal uses. ERG was contracted to assess potential sources of energy and alternative technologies for the lodge. ERG designed a micro hydropower system, and will supervise its construction.

Policy paper for establishing a solar energy industry in Ethiopia

Solar Energy Foundation (SEF), Ethiopia

Jan 2012 - Aug 2012

This will strengthen institutional setup for electrification expansion, enhancing infrastructure investment planning capability; develop appropriate strategy for increasing rural access, and strengthening regulatory capacity to ensure financial sustainability of the sector. ERG works with the US based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association on this assignment.

Feasibility Study for Ethanol Micro Distilleries in Ethiopia

Gaia Association, Ethiopia

Dec 2011 - Jun 2012

The objective of the assignment was to evaluate the technical and financial feasibility of Ethanol Micro Distilleries (EMDs) in Ethiopia. ERG identified potential feed stocks for EMDs; evaluated the technical and financial feasibility of using these feed stocks; and assessed the social and environmental impacts of promoting EMDs.

GHG Mitigation and SD through Efficient Cooking in Social Institutions in Ethiopia

Nordic Climate Fund (NCF), Finland

Dec 2010 - May 2012

The project aimed to promote energy efficiency in social institutions. ERG evaluated the demand for cooking in 100 schools, 2 universities and 3 prisons; trained stove producers, supervised the production and installation of 257 stoves by the producers. ERG also developed an environment booklet for schoolchildren and disseminated these to schools.

Review of the Clean Cooking Sector

in Ethiopia

SNV Ethiopia

Dec 2011

Cooking is the largest energy consuming end use in Ethiopia. It is also the most important because its supply and use affects all economically, socially or environmentally. The aim of this review was to evaluate how stakeholders can work together more effectively to accelerate the diffusion of clean cooking systems.

Large scale promotion and dissemination of solar lanterns in Ethiopia

SNV Ethiopia

Sep 2011

SNV Ethiopia was exploring the possibility of expanding its Renewable Energy portfolio into the clean lighting sector. This study evaluated the potentials and constraints for such engagement. ERG consulted all the major stakeholders and reviewed successful local and international solar lantern dissemination models for this purpose.

Baseline Database for Renewable Energy in Ethiopia

Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA)

Sep 2011

The client sought to develop a baseline renewable energy database for the region with the view of indicating potential regional actions for the energy sector. ERG provided statistical report on energy resources, energy production, and energy consumption for Ethiopia. It also provided summaries for the outlook for the sector in Ethiopia.

Climate Leapfrog Fund opportunities -

Case Studies for Ethiopia

Christian Aid, UK

Aug 2011

The study identified where a climate leapfrog fund could best be used in the energy sector in Ethiopia. It did this through illustrative examples of successful local programs. ERG identified potential areas for energy-climate related projects, then prepared three renewable energy project case studies from which lessons could be drawn for scale-up.

Solar Lighting Action Research for Pro Poor Energy (PPE) promotion in Ethiopia

Christian Aid, Ethiopia

Mar 2011- Jul 2011

The objective of the project was to assess the feasibility and evaluate the relevance and impact of disseminating solar lanterns to pastoral communities in Ethiopia. ERG provided the project baseline, identified action research participants and distributed lanterns to them, then evaluated the performance and acceptance of the lanterns by the research participants.

Assessment of the Alternative Energy and Climate Change Nexus in Ethiopia

Gaia Association, Ethiopia

Mar 2011 - Apr2011

The study outlined the renewable energy potential and pointed how renewable energy can be used to promote climate and environmental sustainability. It showed how renewable energy can contribute to improving community adaptive capacity by increasing productivity, improving social services, and increasing community resilience through improved energy efficiency and income diversification.

Assessment of Biofuel Development Status in Ethiopia

Forum for Environment, Ethiopia

Feb 2011 - Mar 2011

The study highlighted some of the major environmental and social issues related to current biofuels development in Ethiopia. It also assessed how the biofuel strategy, existing environment and other laws are implemented on the ground.

Energy for the Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) of Ethiopia

Horn of Africa Regional Environment Center and Network (HOAREC/N)

Feb 2011 - Mar 2011

The review showed the opportunities for improved energy planning based on plans for the other sectors. It also pointed out the need for analysis of the policy and regulatory implications of the energy plan in such areas as financing, regulations, and non-public sector participation.

Energy Sector Mapping and Database development (ESMAD)

Ministry of Water and Energy, Ethiopia

Jul 2010 - Jun 2011

ESMAD is a national energy database developed for the Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy. The database contains all relevant information across the whole resource-final use chain in the energy sector. ERG experts were responsible for energy data collection for biomass and hydrocarbon fuels. ERG experts also provided input in software development.

Mapping of private sector actors in the Clean Energy industry in Ethiopia

Norwegian Embassy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Feb 2011

ERG consulted all the major renewable energy companies and organizations in Ethiopia including both private companies and government institutions. It provided profiles of the major private actors and identified clean energy project opportunities and potential partnerships in Ethiopia for Norwegian clean energy companies.

Baseline survey and feasibility study for domestic biogas in the Amhara Regional State

Ethiopian Alternative Energy Development and Promotion Center

Oct 2010 - Dec 2010

This project aimed to rank districts based on their potential for domestic biogas and to establish the baseline energy situation in the selected districts. ERG developed and applied a methodology for ranking the districts then developed the baseline for the selected districts through household and energy market surveys, and consultation.

Project development for Demand Side Management (DSM) for the Power sector

Ethiopian Electricity Agency (EEA)

Sept 2010

ERG developed this project for the EEA. The project was submitted to the annual open call for proposals from the Nordic Climate Fund and won grant financing equivalent to Euro 450,000. The project was implemented for the EEA by the Finnish company HIFAB and the Ethiopian Society of Electrical Engineers (ESEE).

Project development for Improved Biomass Stoves for the social service sector in Ethiopia

World Food Program, Ethiopia

Sep 2010

ERG developed the project to promote efficient institution cooking in the social sectors (schools, universities, penitentiaries) in Ethiopia as a climate change mitigation and adaptation action. The project was submitted to the Nordic Climate Fund and won grant equivalent to Euro 220,000. The project was implemented by ERG and Gaia Consult (Finland).

Data collection and analysis for the bio-fuel sector in Ethiopia

Winrock International, US

Jul 2010 - Sep 2010

The project aimed to evaluate the sustainability of biofuels imported from non-EU countries to the EU. The EU Commission sought to review current biofuel activities in Africa from a broad range of sustainability indicators and data. ERG collected technical, environmental, social and legislative data on biofuels and associated policies, regulations and laws in Ethiopia.

System sizing and preparation of tender document PV systems for rural health posts

Amhara Region Bureau of Health, Ethiopia

Mar 2009 - Sep 2010

ERG designed appropriate solar PV systems and provided cost estimates for equipment procurement and installation for 31 health posts in the Amhara Regional State. ERG also facilitated procurement on behalf of the client.

Project development for the EU Energy Facility (EUEF)

GIZ Ethiopia, SNV Ethiopia, HOAREC

Jan 2010 - May 2010

ERG developed three concepts for the clients in the areas of capacity building for policy review, increasing energy access, and capacity development for renewable energy SMEs in Ethiopia. ERG contributed to the development of the two full proposals which won EUEF grant amounting to Euro 3.6 million.

Household energy assessment for the Madagascar ethanol for cooking study

Practical Action, UK

Jan 2010

This project evaluated the potential for using ethanol as a domestic cooking fuel in Madagascar. The project assessed cooking energy requirements in different zones of the country, and evaluated the viability of current fuels and technologies against the ethanol alternative. ERG reviewed household energy sector in Madagascar and contributed to the ethanol market assessment.

Assessment of risks for the hydropower dominated power system in Ethiopia

Heinrich Boll Foundation, Ethiopia

Sep 2009 - Oct 2009

ERG evaluated the risks for the power sector due to climate variability, geo-hazards, and local resource degradation. It also outlined potential environmental and social impacts of accelerated development of hydropower. The study introduced an appropriate power system assessment model called the Integrated Resource Planning model.

Assessment of vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in the energy sector in Ethiopia

Forum for Environment, Ethiopia

Sep 2009

ERG assessed the vulnerability of the energy sector to climate change and proposed adaptation strategies and actions for the sector. ERG identified vulnerability in biomass supply due to reduced productivity in forests and agriculture, and in the power sector due to reduced water flows. The study also outlined lessons from traditional adaptation strategies.

Review of the Ethiopian

Energy Sector

Forum for Environment, Ethiopia

Aug 2009

ERG reviewed the Ethiopian energy sector for the Annual Environmental Review being prepared by the Forum for Environment. ERG outlined the energy supply and demand situation in the country up to the end of 2008 (with data, graphics and explanations) and presented the key issues and opportunities in the sector.

Preparation of Technical Implementation Manual for Renewable Energy

Plan International, Ethiopia

Dec 2008 - Feb 2009

The client provided 33 rural health posts, schools and water service facilities with solar PV systems to enhance service quality. ERG developed the Project Implementation Manual which was used to evaluate their energy demand, size PV facilities and prepare equipment specifications. The manual was also used for installation, supervision, monitoring and evaluation.

Assessment of the biofuels development status in Ethiopia

MELCA Mahiber, Ethiopia

Sep 2008 - Nov 2008

This assignment aimed at establishing the current status of biofuel development in Ethiopia. It sought to review applicable domestic policies and regulations and how development on the ground is adhering to these.

Adaptation of the Biomass Rocket Stove for Ethiopian conditions

GIZ Ethiopia

Jun-07 - Oct-08

ERG (with Approvecho) produced, tested and adapted the biomass Rocket Stove for institutional and household uses in Ethiopia. ERG prepared the stove production manual and trained stove producers in three regional states of the country.

Energy Database Development for the Southern Nations Regional State in Ethiopia

Mines and Energy Agency of Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region

Apr 2008 - Aug 2008

ERG developed a computerized database to serve as repository of all energy related data. The database contained basic socio-economic data to enable users to relate energy demand and resource information with socio-economic development. ERG also collected and documented all available GIS information.

Solar Photo Voltaic

Systems Training

Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Ministry of Mines and Energy

May 2008 - Jun 2008

The REF sought to train 50 solar technicians from different regions of the country to increase the trained workforce. ERG provided full technical training (resource assessment, demand assessment, system sizing, installation and service) for 10 days. Trainees now work in districts as solar technicians and sales agents.

Renewable Energy in Ethiopia: Actions for Large Scale Dissemination

Forum for Environment, Ethiopia

Apr 2008

The objective of the study was to assess constraints and opportunities for renewable in Ethiopia and then recommend actions for their rapid development. The study outlined the distribution of renewable energy resources in Ethiopia, their potential applications, barriers for their development, and finally actions required for rapid and large scale application in Ethiopia.

Preparation of business plan and carbon study for ethanol based cooking in Malawi

UNDP, Malawi

Sep 2007 - Dec 2007

ERG led four consulting companies to conduct a feasibility study for ethanol cooking in Malawi and four neighboring countries. It conducted technical and economic analysis including stove evaluation for both technical efficiency and pollutant emissions, local capability for ethanol stove production, and financial analysis of ethanol stove and fuel marketing in Malawi.

Solar and wind energy resources assessment for Ethiopia

Ethiopian Rural Energy Development and Promotion Center

Jan 2006 - May 2006

ERG prepared GIS based solar and wind energy intensity maps and evaluated the potential of solar and wind energy utilization in Ethiopia. ERG critically reviewed energy related policies in terms of their relevance to the development of solar and wind energy in Ethiopia. It also indicated potential market for solar and wind energy investments.

Solar lighting installations and service

Eyesus Hintsa Trust (UK), Champro Sports (US),

Solar PV system distribution

2006 – 2010

ERG supplied and installed a PV system for a medieval church (Eyesus Hintsa) in Tigray, a school in the outskirts of Addis Ababa, and distributed and installed home systems in the Central highlands of Ethiopia during 2006-2010. ERG ran a small PV system distribution shop in Awasa town during 2008-2010.