About Rural Energy Program
The Rural Energy Program is implemented by Winrock International, and is supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development. The project is a four year effort that builds on the success of the Georgia Energy Security Initiative. The project will:
- Increase the supply of grid-connected and off-grid energy in rural areas
- Improve management of local energy production
- Build in-country capacity in rural energy and alternative energy applications
- Promote sustainability and use of natural resources
The program will increase supply of grid and off-grid energy to some participating communities, build local capacity for energy production, promote energy efficiency and use of alternative energy resources, and improve sustainable natural resource management.
The Rural Energy Program will focus work on areas that offer the greatest potential to meet local energy demands. A network of Independent Power Producers, enterprises designed to refurbish or install new small hydropower systems, will generate 15 MW of electric power, enough energy for some 66,000 homes. Some of these producers will develop natural gas supply systems.
Several energy efficiency projects, using locally available renewable resources, will explore greater use of biomass (crop and processing wastes), biogas (generated by livestock production), solar power and other energy sources. These projects will power community health facilities, schools, small businesses and value-added production centers.
Increasing the ability of local people to work together, set priorities and develop programs is an investment in long-term progress and a goal of the program.
