Successful implementation of renewable energy technologies in developing countries

With over 1 billion people without access to clean water and over 1.4 billion people without access to modern energy services [Alliance for Rural Electrification Web Site, April 2008; www.ruralelec.org], renewable energy (RE) technologies can play an important role in meeting the needs of these people. Unfortunately many projects which have involved the implementation of RE technologies into the developing countries have failed. This is frustrating for the participants and potentially damaging for the industry. But the technologies work, good quality equipment is available, so why do projects fail? In 1999, international experts came together with the formation of the task – Photovoltaics (PV) Servicing Development Countries within the International Energy Agency’s PV Power Systems Programme. Based on many years of in-country experiences these experts developed 8 recommended practice guides (RPGs) on how to implement successful RE projects. This paper provides an overview of what is required to successfully implement RE technologies in developing countries based on the RPGs and the author’s experience.

This paper provided a brief overview of what is required to increase the changes of successfully implementing RE technologies in developing countries based on the author’s 10 years experience working on capacity building projects and involvement as the Australian expert on the IEA PVPS Task on PV serving Developing Countries. Though there are many key factors required to ensure RE technologies are successfully implemented, one common key requirement is the need for effective consultation and communication with the respective stakeholders. Successful businesses and successful projects only occur when relationships are built between all the stakeholders. As in life, relationships often fail due to poor communication. This is relevant at all levels in the successful implementation of RE technologies including end-user, industry, government and NGO’s.