Finding 6. UNDP initiatives intended to address the need for universal modern energy access were conceptually appropriate and generally evidence‑based, but did not lead to a substantial uptake of renewable energy options due to increasing financial risk aversion in the sector and issues with grid connectivity. UNDP implemented two initiatives to address renewable energy uptake and increase energy access, especially in remote areas not well‑served by the electrical grid.84 The design of the Solar Energy programme benefitted from an earlier phase and a very simple premise: that suitable bank financing, experienced project developers and increased awareness of solar energy options, alongside a combination of loans and grants, could stimulate uptake of solar energy. However, the programme came to an end at the beginning of the current UNDP country programme with limited positive results, and was followed by efforts to de‑risk renewable energy development. There were no interventions to address energy efficiency, despite this being an explicit proposed output under the outcome area (and was addressed in the previous programme cycle).
million US$
FIGURE 3: Budget and expenditure: Environmental sustainability portfolio, 2018‑2021 Budget
10
10.5 9.1
8
8.5 7.4
6
Expenditure
Chemicals management Climate change Energy Ecosystems and biodiversity Waste management 14%
8.3 25%
7.6
6.6 5.6
4 2 0
Breakdown of expenditure by thematic area
4%
34%
23%
2018
2019
2020
2021
Source: UNDP Corporate Planning System (Atlas). As of 19 January 2022
UNDP supported solar energy installations through loans and grants, reaching 1,424 households and 870 businesses in eight communities across four States. This is very positive, but a very small output considering the national scale. These small solar installations worked, as they were off‑grid and not as exposed to the risks affecting larger grid‑connected initiatives. Support was provided for off‑grid solar photovoltaic systems at two agro‑processing facilities in Jigawa and Ogun states, and a solar‑powered water borehole in a community in Kano state. There was also limited job creation related to the installation and servicing of small solar schemes.85
84 85
The ‘Solar Energy Programme’ and ‘De‑risking Renewable Energy’ projects. Solar energy applications were introduced where possible in recovery and stabilization efforts in conflict areas, including solar‑powered boreholes, agro‑processing facilities, and community buildings, in tandem with other recovery initiatives supported by UNDP.
Chapter 2. Findings
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