Introduction and Background
Access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy remains a major challenge in many remote and climate-vulnerable regions of South Asia. Despite significant progress in national electrification efforts, thousands of rural and geographically isolated villages in Nepal and Bangladesh continue to face energy poverty due to difficult terrain, weak grid infrastructure, recurring climate shocks, and socio-economic constraints. Limited access to electricity restricts opportunities for education, healthcare, livelihoods, and overall community development, reinforcing cycles of poverty and vulnerability.
Nepal’s mountainous topography and dispersed settlements make grid extension costly and technically challenging, especially in high-altitude and hill regions. Many communities rely on traditional biomass, kerosene, or diesel generators, which are expensive, polluting, and unreliable. Similarly, in Bangladesh, remote char lands, coastal islands, and flood-prone areas experience frequent power disruptions and limited grid connectivity, exacerbated by cyclones, floods, and sea-level rise.
Renewable energy technologies—such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, micro-hydropower, biogas, and hybrid mini-grids—offer a viable, climate-resilient solution for these communities. When combined with community ownership models, capacity building, and supportive policy frameworks, decentralized renewable energy systems can transform rural economies while contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation goals.
This proposal outlines a community-centered program to deploy renewable energy solutions in remote villages of Nepal and Bangladesh, enhancing energy access, livelihoods, climate resilience, and inclusive development.
Problem Statement
Remote rural communities in Nepal and Bangladesh face multiple, interconnected challenges related to energy access:
- Energy poverty: Households lack reliable electricity for lighting, cooking, communication, and productive uses.
- Dependence on fossil fuels and biomass: Widespread use of firewood, kerosene, and diesel increases health risks, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Climate vulnerability: Floods, landslides, cyclones, and glacial melt frequently disrupt centralized energy systems.
- Limited livelihood opportunities: Absence of energy constrains agro-processing, small enterprises, cold storage, and digital services.
- Gender and social inequities: Women and marginalized groups bear the brunt of energy poverty, spending long hours collecting fuel and facing indoor air pollution.
Although both countries have national renewable energy targets, gaps remain in reaching the most isolated populations with affordable, sustainable, and locally managed solutions.
Project Goal and Objectives
Overall Goal
To improve energy access, climate resilience, and socio-economic development in remote villages of Nepal and Bangladesh through community-led renewable energy solutions.
Specific Objectives
- Deploy decentralized renewable energy systems tailored to local geographic and climatic conditions.
- Strengthen community capacity for operation, maintenance, and governance of energy systems.
- Promote productive uses of renewable energy to enhance livelihoods and local economies.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation associated with traditional energy sources.
- Enhance inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups in clean energy planning and benefits.
Target Areas and Beneficiaries
Geographic Focus
- Nepal: Remote hill and mountain villages in provinces such as Karnali and Sudurpashchim, with limited grid connectivity.
- Bangladesh: Off-grid and weak-grid communities in coastal areas, riverine char lands, and flood-prone northern districts.
Target Beneficiaries
- Rural households lacking reliable electricity
- Smallholder farmers and micro-entrepreneurs
- Women’s self-help groups and cooperatives
- Youth groups and local technicians
- Schools, health posts, and community centers
The project aims to directly benefit approximately 10,000 people across both countries, with indirect benefits reaching many more through improved services and local economic growth.
Project Components and Activities
- Component 1: Community Energy Needs Assessment and Planning
- Conduct participatory energy needs assessments in selected villages.
- Map local renewable energy potential (solar, hydro, biomass).
- Facilitate community consultations to design appropriate energy solutions.
- Establish village energy committees with gender-balanced representation.
- Component 2: Deployment of Renewable Energy Systems
- Install solar home systems and community solar mini-grids for lighting and basic electricity needs.
- Develop micro-hydropower systems in suitable Nepalese villages.
- Promote biogas systems for clean cooking and waste management.
- Introduce hybrid systems (solar + battery storage) for climate resilience.
- Component 3: Capacity Building and Local Ownership
- Train local technicians in installation, operation, and maintenance.
- Build management and financial skills of community energy committees.
- Support women and youth as clean energy entrepreneurs and technicians.
- Develop maintenance funds and tariff systems to ensure sustainability.
- Component 4: Productive Use of Energy and Livelihood Support
- Support energy-powered agro-processing (mills, dryers, cold storage).
- Enable small enterprises such as tailoring, phone charging, and digital services.
- Link renewable energy access to climate-smart agriculture practices.
- Provide seed grants or revolving funds for energy-based micro-enterprises.
- Component 5: Monitoring, Learning, and Policy Engagement
- Establish monitoring systems to track energy access, usage, and impacts.
- Document lessons learned and best practices.
- Engage local governments and national agencies to inform rural energy policy.
- Promote replication and scaling through knowledge-sharing platforms.
Cross-Cutting Themes
- Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
- Women will be actively involved in decision-making, training, and enterprise development. The project will reduce women’s workload, improve health outcomes, and enhance income-generating opportunities.
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- The project will reduce carbon emissions by replacing fossil fuels and unsustainable biomass. Decentralized systems will enhance resilience to climate-induced disruptions.
- Community Ownership and Sustainability
- By prioritizing local governance, skills development, and cost-recovery mechanisms, the project ensures long-term functionality beyond the funding period.
Expected Results and Outcomes
Key Outputs
- Renewable energy systems installed in at least 40 remote villages.
- Over 2,000 households gain access to clean and reliable electricity.
- 100+ local technicians trained, including at least 40% women and youth.
- 50+ energy-based micro-enterprises established or strengthened.
Outcomes
- Improved quality of life through reliable lighting, communication, and services.
- Increased household incomes and local employment opportunities.
- Reduced deforestation, indoor air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Enhanced resilience of rural communities to climate shocks.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
A results-based M&E framework will be implemented, including:
- Baseline and endline surveys on energy access and socio-economic indicators.
- Regular monitoring of system performance and energy usage.
- Community feedback mechanisms and grievance redressal.
- Periodic learning reviews and adaptive management.
Implementation Strategy and Partnerships
The project will be implemented through partnerships with:
- Local NGOs and community-based organizations
- Renewable energy service providers and cooperatives
- Local governments and rural municipalities
- National renewable energy agencies in Nepal and Bangladesh
Strong coordination will ensure alignment with national energy and climate strategies.
Sustainability and Exit Strategy
Sustainability will be ensured through:
- Community ownership and management models
- Affordable tariffs and maintenance funds
- Capacity building of local institutions
- Policy engagement for long-term support and scaling
An exit strategy will gradually transfer full responsibility to community energy committees and local authorities.
Budget Overview
The total estimated budget for the three-year project is USD XX– XX million, covering:
- Renewable energy infrastructure and equipment
- Training and capacity building
- Community mobilization and livelihoods support
- Monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge sharing
A detailed budget will be developed in consultation with donors and partners.
Conclusion
Renewable energy solutions offer a transformative pathway for remote villages in Nepal and Bangladesh to overcome energy poverty, build climate resilience, and unlock sustainable development opportunities. By combining decentralized technologies with community leadership, gender inclusion, and livelihood support, this project will deliver lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits. The proposed program aligns strongly with global climate goals, SDGs, and national renewable energy priorities, making it a compelling investment for donors committed to inclusive and climate-resilient development in South Asia.
