MAIN ISSUES IN FINANCING ELECTRIFICATION PROJECTS IN RURAL AREAS

摘要

Some significant conclusions were extracted after the analysis of the survey. These propositions should be taken into account when considering new programs of electrification in rural areas, especially in interventions that aim at the long-term sustainability of projects. Most respondents estimate that renewable energy funds are the preferred solution to deal with renewable projects from an upstream (end-user) perspective, but there are important differences toward more innovative ways of financing, e.g., mezzanine products or portfolio risk-management tools. With respect to the role of different agents, NGOs seem to be the best performer in past renewable electrification projects. The private sector is the most criticized agent, and 17 percent of respondents estimate that its involvement has not been relevant at all. The lack of profitability and poor regulatory frameworks are the two main topics that justify inappropriate involvement of the private sector in rural electrification projects. Of respondents, 71 percent consider that profitability is the main concern of the private sector when addressing supply projects in developing countries. Indeed, profitability and especially poor regulatory frameworks offer the main justifications that private companies indicate as the main causes of their inadequate involvement in rural electrification projects. When considering the long-term viability of electrification projects, the financial sustainability and the focus on demand-side needs are the most relevant parameters.