Enersense

Learning Event on Upscaling Mini Grids for Least
Cost and Timely Access to Electricity Services
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
World Bank Group/ ESMAP

Access to energy is at the heart of development
(World Bank)

One billion people live their daily lives without electricity
(World Bank)

Mini-grids have potential to bring electricity to half a billion people
(World Bank)

Women and men are affected differently by energy access or the lack thereof.
Applying a gender lens to energy projects contributes to more gender equity
in the energy sector
(International Network on Gender and Sustainable Energy – Energia)

The development of smart grids is essential if the global community is to
achieve shared goals for energy security, economic development and climate
change mitigation
(International Energy Agency)

Modern energy empowers human development, reduces workloads, and frees
up time for more productive activities, and the lack of access to energy
perpetuates the vicious cycle of poverty
(Asian Development Bank)

Many consider small-scale hydro a more environmentally-friendly option and
small-scale micro-hydropower projects can make a big difference to
communities in remote locations
(International Renewable Energy Agency)

Solar PV has become cost competitive to or cheaper than fossil fuel options
in many grid and off-grid-areas around the world.Solar PV payback times are
below five years in many countries
(Global Solar Council)

Hydropower provides very low-cost electricity over its long lifetime,
making it the lowest-cost source of electricity in many markets
(International Hydropower Association)

Rural Electrification Schemes & Mini Grids

Hydropower

Solar Energy

Community based Wind and Biomass Energy

Training and Capacity Building

Project Design, Development, Implementation & Evaluations

"47 million people connected to 19,000 mini grids, mostly hydro and diesel-powered, at an investment cost of $28 billion. Plus: 7,500 mini grids planned, mostly in Africa, mostly solar-hybrid, connecting more than 27 million people at an investment cost of $12 billion- Mini grid for half a billion people by ESMAP of World bank"

Testimonials

Mr. Kalupahana and the team are very professional in all their dealings with the projects national counterparts, handling of projects activities and delivering quality results, in spite of the challenges. This happened systematically in a number of projects he implemented for UNIDO, including: Burundi Nyamotsey (hydro feasibility); Rwanda Need assessment and training; Mali- modification of Sarokrbu hydro; Sri Lanka Meemure project consultancy & Chad 3 SPV mini-grid design.

UNIDO

I have worked with Tony Kalupahana on hydro mini-grid projects and knowledge exchange activities focusing on the Asia-Pacific and Sub Saharan Africa since 2007. His expertise was vital for site surveys, system design, local manufacturing of Pelton Turbines, Induction Generators and Controller fabrication, civil construction planning, technology innovation, commissioning, and project rehabilitation assessments in India from 2007 to 2012, also building local capacities on hydro mini-grids. What sets Tony apart from other practitioners is his deep commitment in enabling local manufacturers, technicians, engineers, operators, and community leaders to install high quality hydro mini-grids and their sustainable operations in the long-term.

Hydro Empowerment Network (HPNET)

Dipti Vaghela - Co-founder and Manager

I have witnessed the untiring dedicated services by Mr. Tony Kalupahana when he provided his professional services to our grid connected small hydropower projects such as Ranmuthu Oya. The competencies he demonstrated with commitment and dedication on preliminary designs, obtaining clearances and approvals from different agencies swiftly and the project development phase consultancies delivered were remarkable.