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An Overview of Afghan Clean Energy Program (ACEP)

Date: June 2010
Public Information Office:
E-mail: kabulusaidinformation@usaid.gov
http://afghanistan.usaid.gov

Afghanistan Clean Energy Program (ACEP)

Overview

USAID is committed to building the capacity of the Afghan Government to provide its people with clean, renewable energy to power their homes, schools and businesses. The Afghan Clean Energy Program (ACEP) aims to foster energy independence and development through increased use of renewable energy resources while spurring the development of Afghanistan’s renewable energy equipment manufacturing capacities. The program also promotes energy efficiency. Finally, the program provides technical assistance to the Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) in key areas of power sector reform. ACEP is a 48-month project that began Septembe 8, 2009, and is implemented nationwide.

ACTIVITIES

Power generation – Install more than 50 mini and micro hydro (10–1000 kilowatt [kW]), solar (100 W–50 kW) and wind power systems (0.5–10 kW) for approximately 1,000 remote villages. Also refurbish existing micro hydropower systems and expand the use of solar/wind-powered irrigation pumps
Energy efficiency – Emphasize energy efficiency through demand side management of power utilities and efficiency in the end-use consumption of power.
Renewable energy integration – Assess the feasibility of selected grid-connected renewable energy systems, such as large solar cell arrays, wind turbines or small hydro power systems.
Capacity building – Provide capacity building and development in the MEW Renewable Energy Department, the new Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) Rural Energy Department, and local universities in such areas as renewable energy and rural electrification policy and strategy, development of site selection criteria, renewable energy portfolio standards, standardized designs, on-the-job technical training, and operations and maintenance (O&M) and cost recovery training.
Policy support – Support the capacity of the MEW, and possibly other government agencies, to create, assess, and implement all aspects of energy policy, including sustainability, equity, the purchase and transmission of power, life cycle costs of generation, tariff formation, development of indigenous energy resources, and transmission of energy through Afghanistan to other countries.

Expected RESULTS

Power will reach more Afghans as residents of 1,000 remote villages receive electricity from alternative energy sources including micro hydropower and solar power systems. These residents live far from established power grids, and alternative energy sources will bring them electricity for the first time.
The environment will improve as energy efficiency measures are put in place and as energy generation switches from diesel generators to clean sources of power.
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will be able to manage its energy policy and energy generation effectively and independently, providing better services to its citizens.