bangladesh rural electrification and renewable energy...
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Bangladesh Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Development II (RERED II) Project
(IDA Credit 5158-BD and 5514-BD, USAID TF01503 and TFA3639, BCCRF TF015077,
GPOBA TF019156 and TF019157)
Implementation Support Mission
October 16-20, 2016
Aide Memoire
I. Introduction
1. An implementation support mission for the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Development
II (RERED II) was carried out from October 16-20, 2016.1 The mission met with the officials of the Power
Division and Power Cell of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR), Infrastructure
Development Company Ltd. (IDCOL), and Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Agency
(SREDA). A list of officials met during the mission appears in Annex 1. The team wishes to express its deep
appreciation to the Power Division, Power Cell, IDCOL, SREDA, and others for the productive discussions,
access to information and excellent cooperation during the review mission. The findings of the aide memoire
were agreed in a wrap-up meeting chaired by Secretary, Power Division on October 25, 2016. This Aide
Memoire is classified as a Public document under World Bank’s Access to Information Policy.
II. Key Project Data
Key Dates Project Performance Ratings
IDA Cr. 5158 IDA Cr. 5514 Previous Current
Board Approval Sept 20, 2012 Jun 19, 2014 Achievement of PDO MS S
Signing Oct 23, 2012 Jun 30, 2014 Implementation Progress MS S
Effectiveness Feb 20, 2013 Sept 28, 2014 Financial Management S S
Closing Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2018 Procurement S S
Allocation 102.8 million SDR 50.585 million SDR Environment and Social S S
Disbursed 83.11 million SDR 47.6 million SDR
Disbursed (%) 80.85% 94.9%
MS = Moderately Satisfactory; S = Satisfactory
Grant Funds 2 USAID
(TF015034)
USAID
(TFA3639)
BCCRF
(TF015077)
GPOBA
(TF019156 and
TF019157)
Signing 07/10/2013 10/20/2016 09/30/2013 04/23/2015
Effectiveness 07/28/2013 12/18/2013 07/15/2015
Grant Amount (USD million) 5.997 1.0725 10 15
Disbursed (USD million) 4.3 0 2.81 2.45
Disbursement % 71.7% 0% 28.16% 16.34%
Grant Closing 12/31/2018 12/31/2018 12/31/2016 06/30/2017
1 The mission members were: Messrs. Zubair K M Sadeque (Senior Energy Specialist and Task Team Leader), Anil Cabraal (Lead
Renewable Energy Consultant), Christopher Purcell (Renewable Energy Consultant), Dr. M. Khaliquzzaman (Technical Expert), Md.
Ruhul Quddus (Solar Home System Expert), Ishtiak Siddique (Sr. Procurement Specialist), Mohammed Atikuzzaman (Financial
Management Specialist), Iqbal Ahmed (Environment Specialist), Ferdous Jahan (M&E and Gender Expert), and Md. Tafazzal Hossain
(Program Assistant). 2 Grant financing amounting to USD5.997 million was made available in tranches through TF015034 and USD1.0725 million through
a parallel TFA3639 (out of USD7.565 million commitment) from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to support
the access to electricity component of the project. An amount of USD10 million is made available from the Bangladesh Climate Change
Resilience Fund (BCCRF) for grant support to the solar irrigation pumps under the access to electricity component. A new fund of
USD15 million from GPOBA is made available to support capital buy-down grants for access to electricity and household energy (biogas
plants) components of the project.
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III. Achievement of Project Development Objectives
2. The project meets or exceeds the PDO of increasing access to clean energy in rural areas through
renewable energy. Against the target of reaching 1.322 million households, farmers, and businesses with access
to clean energy services by June 30, 2016, the project had reached 1.55 million households, farmers and
businesses. The target of reaching 1.664 million households, farmers, and businesses with access to clean
energy services by June 2017 has already been exceeded by September 2016. The mission recommends that
the rating for achievement of the Project Development Objectives be upgraded to Satisfactory from
Moderately Satisfactory. Annex 2 provides the results framework of the project and progress achieved to date.
IV. Current Implementation Status
3. The mission recommends that the Implementation Progress be upgraded to Satisfactory from
Moderately Satisfactory as implementation progress as of June 30, 2016 shows that all key outputs are
meeting or exceeding targets except for minor shortcomings, and doing so with efficiency. The access to
electricity component supports Solar Home Systems (SHS), mini-grids, and solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) while
the household energy component supports Improved Cook Stoves (ICS) and Biogas Digesters. End-of-project
target for SHS of 1.03 million has already been exceeded with 1.18 million supported by September 2016.
Target for ICS of 1 million by the project closing is likely to be met by June 2017. Number of connections
through mini-grids was within 90 percent of the target. SIP installations have also picked up recently with 229
in operation with another 285 under construction with completion scheduled for December 2016. It is only
biogas digester target that is lagging behind. The recent project restructuring reduced the biogas target from
33,000 to 16,000 (10,000 from IDA funds and 6,000 from GPOBA funds). With the newer technology (pre-
fabricated biogas digesters) introduced recently, it is expected that the installation will pick up in the near future.
The quality of the SHS loan portfolio has also improved since April 2016 and collection remains at about 87
percent (slightly below 90 percent target). Annex 2 provides the results framework showing progress in
achieving outputs.
4. Disbursement Progress. The project has disbursed 85% of the two IDA credits combined (USD114.2
million or 80.1% of the original credit disbursed, and USD 47.599 million or 94.1% of the additional financing
credit). The disbursement target for FY16 of USD 41 million was exceeded.
5. Of the grant funds, the project disbursed USD 9.56 million (29.8%) against the allocation of USD
32.0695 million in grant funds (USAID, BCCRF, and GPOBA scale-up funds).
USAID trust fund (TF05134): Against USD 7.069 million available (in two different trust funds)
for access to electricity component, USD 4.3 million has been disbursed providing grant support to
137,144 SHS. Total commitment from USAID is USD 7.565 and the remaining funds will be made
available to IDCOL when funds are made available from USAID. The closing date of the USAID
trust fund has now been extended to December 31, 2018 matching the closing date of the RERED
II project.
BCCRF trust fund (TF015077): An amount of USD 2.8 million has so far been disbursed supporting
171 irrigation pumps. The mission reiterated that the BCCRF fund closes on December 31, 2016
as scheduled and that there is no possibility of a closing date extension. IDCOL confirmed that the
US$10 million allocation will be fully utilized with the construction of another 285 pumps
completing by December 2016. IDCOL is closely monitoring the construction of the remaining
pumps and will require the sponsors to take corrective actions to prevent delays in pump
construction.
GPOBA trust fund for scale-up (TF019156 and TF019157): USD 15 million fund became effective
on July 15, 2015 to support the capital buy-down requirements for the access to electricity
component and the household energy component (biogas). As part of a project restructuring, the
target for biogas digester has been revised downward; and ‘Advance’ has been included as a
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disbursement method, which now allows IDCOL to receive advance funds into a Designated
Account, from which disbursement can be made. The current closing date is June 30, 2017,
which will need to be extended to December 31, 2018, the closing date of the parent REREDII
project for full utilization of the grant. This fund will also require some changes in the
disbursement milestone keeping in line with disbursement arrangement used in the other funds
supporting the mini-grids, irrigation pumps, and biogas digesters. These will require approval from
GPOBA Panel of Experts and the team will pursue with GPOBA for such approval.
6. GAAP Implementation. The major activities to mitigate the risk of inadequate competition that could
result in poor quality and service to SHS customers under the matrix of actions outlined in the GAAP are
continuing (see Annex 3). The SHS market competitiveness survey indicated adequate competition by the POs
in the market. IDCOL continues to focus on strong inspection and monitoring to ensure quality installations.
IDCOL is continuing with call center based customer feedback surveys on a regular basis to gauge customer
satisfaction, usage status of old SHS, and status of battery recycling.
V. Component-wise Implementation Status
7. The project has three main components: i) access to electricity (total cost USD 374 million: IDA USD
128 million from original credit and USD 78.4 million from additional financing); ii) household energy (total
cost USD 46 million: IDA USD 12 million); and iii) sector technical assistance (total cost USD 10 million: IDA
USD 10 million). The following section summarizes the component-wise implementation issues.
Component 1: Access to Electricity
8. The access to electricity component is providing continued support to the solar home systems (SHS)
program and also supporting other renewable energy options (mini-grids, solar irrigation pumps, captive biogas
plants for electricity etc.) implemented by IDCOL.
9. SHS installation target has been exceeded. SHS installation target of 1.03 million by project closing
has already been exceeded with 1.18 million installed as of September 30, 2016. Total MW of photovoltaics
installed under RERED II is 42.96 MW. The project continues to support SHS sales though at a slower than
historical pace of SHS installation. Monthly installations are about 12,000 in September 2016, compared to
27,800 in October 2015. However, part of this slack has been taken by sales under the national social safety net
Kabikha (Food for Work) Program. The slowdown is not unexpected as the pace of providing rural grid
electricity connections by the utilities has accelerated and the remaining market for SHS is becoming saturated.
The continued sales are needed to ensure the Partner Organizations (POs) business continues to be sustainable
that will in turn enable the POs to continue to service debt to IDCOL and allow the SHS users continued access
to service and spare parts (see paras 13 and 14).
10. Cumulative SHS sales under RERED and RERED II have reached 4.07 million and serving about 14
percent of the households in Bangladesh (Figure 1). By any measure, this is a success.
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SHS Installed by IDCOL Partner Organizations in RERED and RERED II Projects
Monthly SHS Sales Cumulative SHS Sales 6 per. Mov. Avg. (Monthly SHS Sales)
Figure 1 SHS Installation Progress
11. SHS prices continue to decline. SHS unit cost continue to be low and declining despite shift to more
expensive LED lamps (Table 1). SHS prices in Bangladesh continue to be among the lowest in the world with
considerably better warranties and service.
12. Table 1 SHS Price Trends
SHS Size #
SHS Installed Cost w/o Subsidy * (USD/Wp)
2013 2014 2015 2016 (June)
20 Wp 9.80 7.66 6.88 6.14
30 Wp 7.59 6.04 5.33 5.23
40 Wp 7.74 5.38 5.44 4.29
50 Wp 7.77 5.14 4.99 4.27
60 Wp 7.13 4.83 4.90 4.46
65 Wp 6.96 4.44 4.72 4.12
75 Wp 6.80 4.74 4.44 3.50
85 Wp 6.60 4.55 4.21 3.76
90 Wp 6.26 4.17 4.48 3.33
100 Wp 6.00 4.35 4.48 3.55
130 Wp 5.77 3.83 3.89 3.18
# In 2014, minimum battery capacity was reduced to 2 days autonomy from 3 days.
* Includes 3 year free maintenance plus 5 year battery and 20 year module warranty
13. Long term sustainability of SHS business must be assured. There are several aspects affecting the long
term sustainability of the off-grid SHS market. It is, by its very nature, a market that will eventually reach
saturation. IDCOL has set an internal SHS target of 6 million by 2025. However, the recent announcement by
REB that 90 percent household electrification will achieved by 2018 may reduce the demand for SHS.3 The
remaining poorer households may need government support to benefit from electricity.
14. IDCOL is proactively addressing the concerns related to the sustainability of SHS business. Specific
actions that IDCOL is taking to ensure sustainability include the following:
3 Electrification coverage has increased to 76 percent of the population with 62 percent of households obtaining grid electricity
and 14 percent off-grid electricity. Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) connected more than 3.4 million households to the
grid last FY.
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IDCOL is now managing the SHS sales under the Kabikha (Food for Work) program requiring the
safety net program to be complying with the quality and inspection requirements of IDCOL. IDCOL
designated POs are installing and servicing SHS under the Kabikha program. The mission noted
some initial coordination issues between the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, IDCOL,
and the local administrative offices in managing the SHS distributed under the program. The mission
recommends that a high-level coordination committee be formed at the Prime Minister’s Office
with participation of the concerned ministries and IDCOL to ensure close coordination of the
program.
IDCOL is continuing to implement the Collection Efficiency Improvement Program (CEIP). The
collection efficiency is 87 percent, below the target of 90%. To improve collection efficiencies,
IDCOL is also piloting pre-payment meters for SHS with 13 POs in one Upazilla. Based on the
success of the pilot, the mission recommends that IDCOL decides on a cut-off date at the earliest
in consultation with the POs after which only pre-paid systems will be allowed for credit sales.
IDCOL is working with the POs to ensure the loan portfolio quality is improved. Seven PO accounts
have been rescheduled with another 3-4 under review. As a result, substandard and doubtful loans
have dropped from 10.4% in April 2016 to 8% today. The percent of outstanding loan funds classified
as Standard (repayments less than 3 months overdue) has risen to 91 percent, compared to 63% in
April 2016 (Table 2). IDCOL is taking aggressive actions including taking appropriate legal actions
against delinquent POs.
Table 2 Loan Status of SHS POs as of 15 October 2016 Loan
Classi-
fication
Overdue for:
Provisioning
Require-
ments
Number
of POs
Loans
Outstanding
(Millions BDT)
Percent of
Outstanding
Loans
Provisioning
(Millions
BDT)
Standard < 3 months 1% 44 21,257.77 91% 213
SMA > 3 to 6
months 5% 1 259.77 1% 13
Sub-
standard
> 6 to 9
months 20% 3 613.09 3% 123
Doubtful > 9 months to
1 year 50% 2 1,157.35 5% 579
Bad/Loss >1 year 100% - - 0% -
Total 50 23,288 100% 927
15. Mini-grids. Total of 23 solar mini-grids were approved, of which:
7 mini-grids are in operation with a combined capacity of 966 kWp connecting 2,655 households and
businesses,
13 mini-grids are under construction and will be in operation by March 2017 (2,501 kWp),
Construction expected to start in January 2017 for remaining 3 (524 kWp).
16. Of these mini-grids, 14 are financed under RERED II and the balance by JICA. A further 43 mini-grids
(8,200 kWp) are in pipeline, of which 7 (1,573 kWp) are expected to be approved by December 2016. Power
Division has cleared 38 sites as being geographically located within off-grid areas that will not be reached by
grid in the near term.
17. The mission reiterated that the long planning timeframes incorporating the need for detailed customer
uptake analysis, detailed financial feasibility analysis on a case by case basis, and the absolute necessity for
clearances from Power Division with respect to grid encroachment, are all required for the development of mini-
grids and cannot be bypassed. The mission reminded IDCOL that to accommodate the construction time
of about 18 months, loan agreements for all mini-grids to be supported under the credit must be signed
by July 2017 to complete the mini-grids before the project closing of December 2018.
18. It has been observed that uptake of customer connections and energy consumption growth occurs over
time, and therefore design targets may be reached several years after mini-grid is commissioned. IDCOL has
agreed to require sponsors to monitor and report on new connections and demand growth in order to validate
the uptake and load growth assumptions.
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19. Validating mini-grid design assumptions. Presently IDCOL staff visit each mini-grid once per month
and remain on site for a period to observe technical performance (battery fluid specific gravity, battery
in/outflow currents, voltage drops, energy meter readings etc). While this supervision is commendable, IDCOL
should require all sponsors to maintain daily data logs of key performance parameters. This should include
kWh generated by solar and diesel, kWh sold, fuel consumption, outages if any, revenue collection status, etc.,
which can be used to track plant performance. This requirement should be incorporated as part of future loan
agreements with sponsors. IDCOL will prepare the data-collection protocol and log sheet templates for
submission to Bank along with plan for implementation by December 31, 2016.
20. In addition, the remote monitoring systems installed on mini-grids should be upgraded to full
functionality, to capture PV array generation energy, diesel engine kWh and runtime, battery in/outflow and AC
feeder kWh. IDCOL will have the functionality of the monitoring system tested at the UIU mini-grid laboratory
prior to requiring the sponsors to implement it. IDCOL monthly field visits should continue until these are fully
functional. IDCOL may need to recruit a data monitoring expert to advise on setting up of the functionality
tests at UIU. IDCOL will have the functionality tests completed and mini-grid sponsors advised by March
2017.
21. Comparing actual versus assumed mini-grid performance. Once the aforementioned field data is
collected and the on-going baseline consumer survey data is available, IDCOL needs to undertake an analysis
to validate the assumptions made in the project loan applications and in appraisal reports and compare
with actual performance. This validation is important to ensure the sustainability of future projects, and to
confirm that consumers are receiving the anticipated benefits.
22. Solar irrigation pumps (SIPs). Pace of SIPs installations have accelerated (Figure 2). A total of 657
solar irrigation pumps have been approved by IDCOL for financing from different sources including the grant
funds sourced from the World Bank (USAID, GPOBA, and BCCRF). A total of 372 pumps are operating, of
which 229 are supported from REREDII. Another 285 pumps are under construction. IDCOL has received
applications for financing for 450 additional pumps. One loan outstanding is classified as SMA and one as
Substandard.
Figure 2 Solar Irrigation Pumps Progress
23. A BCCRF donor briefing meeting was held during the mission to update the donors on the progress of
the solar irrigation program. BCCRF funds have been disbursed for 171 pumps to date. Another 285 pumps are
under construction with completion by December 2016. Successful completion of installation by December 31,
513 14
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Solar Irrigation Pump Installations
Number of SIPs Cumulative Number of SIPs
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2016 and completion of disbursements by April 30, 2017 is necessary to ensure full utilization of remaining
funds under BCCRF. IDCOL confirmed that the construction of these pumps are at an advanced stage and that
all these pumps will be operational by December 31, 2016.
24. SIP prices have significantly declined. The SIP roll-out has resulted in economies of scale and with
supplier experience, total SIP irrigation scheme prices have decreased from USD 5-7/kWp to below USD
2.2/Wp installed (including borehole drilling, water tanks and irrigation works, which can amount to 50% of
total cost). Despite these encouraging price trends, there remains a need to optimize scheme sizing and review
reasonableness of the water tariffs charged by the sponsors.
25. Comparing actual versus assumed irrigation performance. All sponsors should be required to record
daily water usage and pump run-times on a daily log-sheet to track plant performance and correspondence of
SIP capacity with demand. In addition, data on water table depth, actual acreage irrigated by each pump and
cropping patterns should be noted. IDCOL will prepare data logging sheets and instruct the sponsors to use
them prior to the next irrigation season, beginning in February 2017. Based on this data and data from the on-
going baseline consumer survey, IDCOL will prepare a report comparing the assumptions provided by
sponsors in their loan applications (and used in IDCOL appraisals), with actuals. The report is due within
two months after the end of the next irrigation season in 2017 or the availability of data from the baseline
survey, whichever is later.
26. Irrigation water tariff review. Unlike in the case of SHS, it is not evident whether the lower investment
cost of SIPs has benefited the end-users. IDCOL will investigate how the benefits of investment cost reductions
have passed through to the farmers in terms of lower tariffs or other benefits. If the farmers have not benefitted,
the investigation should identify the reasons and identify who has benefitted. Where appropriate, IDCOL should
recommend better tariff formulations so that there is a fairer sharing of benefits due to lower costs. IDCOL
will propose the study methodology and TOR by December 31, 2016, and have the study completed by
March 2017.
27. Small Scale SIP Scheme. Under an alternative small scale SIP scheme, IDCOL is considering financing
smaller pumps, for example, 1.5 kW, 2.2 kW and 3.75 kW under a pump ownership model, where farmers will
buy pumps from the POs using the same model as the successful SHS program. Quotations from various SIP
suppliers were collected against these three packages. IDCOL-appointed agriculturist is currently evaluating the
other costs (civil works, wells etc.) under each of the packages. Once finalized, the total cost of systems
including equipment, civil and water well costs will be circulated to the sponsors with request for proposals.
IDCOL has assembled a Working Committee of sponsors to advise on different aspects related to ownership,
use of small pumps, down payments requirements from farmers, equity from the POs, security arrangement
between PO and farmers, equipment specifications, etc. Once the cost analysis is completed, Working
Committee will advise IDCOL on the financing modalities. Meanwhile, IDCOL has received proposals from
two sponsors – Navana Renewable Energy Ltd. and PDBF – for financing solar irrigation projects following
the ownership model, which are under review by IDCOL.
28. Mobile SIP Scheme. The mission discussed exploring the options of a SIP scheme that can run on
lithium-ion batteries charged with solar panel. Given the relatively lighter weight, the lithium-ion batteries, once
charged by solar, could be moved around the fields to run the irrigation pumps. The technical feasibility of such
model was tested under a Bank Innovation Fund. IDCOL agreed to test the commercial viability of this through
a small pilot.
29. SIP investment components eligible for financing with RERED II and associated grants. IDCOL
noted that merely providing irrigation water in the absence of other related services will not make agricultural
business a success and that they are considering financing other related agricultural equipment such as tillers
and tractors as part of the SIP financing package. While acknowledging the validity of this assessment, the
mission advised and IDCOL concurred that the other equipment that is not directly associated with the SIP,
would not be eligible for financing either by the grants or by RERED II credits. However, they could be financed
by IDCOL’s own funds or the sponsor’s equity.
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30. Captive biogas and biomass. The access to electricity component is flexible and can support other
options for access to electricity including biogas and biomass based captive plants. As with other sub-projects,
IDCOL carries out due diligence on these proposals on a case-by-case basis before extending financing. To
date, IDCOL has approved 1,060 kW of biogas and biomass generation capacity under this initiative, of which
475 kW is already operational. 210 kW of the total capacity is financed under the Project.
31. Technical Assistance (TA) Progress and Actions. While there is progress in TA activities, delays
related to testing laboratories is of deep concern as the usefulness of the laboratory facilities during RERED II
implementation will be limited. IDCOL has agreed to be more proactive in getting United International
University (UIU) (for the mini-grid testing lab) and Bangladesh University of Engineering and
Technology (BUET) (for PV testing lab) to complete the set-up and begin testing operations.
a. PV Testing Laboratory: The BUET SHS testing laboratory is now expected to be commissioned only
by December 2016. All of the major equipment has been supplied but cannot be installed as building
modifications are awaiting approval by BUET management. The mission regarded the progress towards
these objectives as below satisfactory. Laboratory operation further requires laboratory consultant to
provide the operating manual and relevant test procedures. This delay is of concern as the laboratory
will be of limited use within RERED II timeframes. IEC17025 accreditation is realistically achievable
after some time of full operation of the test lab. IDCOL will have the laboratory consultant begin
work immediately and require BUET to complete their laboratory set up by December 31, 2016.
More details are in Annex 4.
b. 220 V DC Mini-grid Testing Facility: The laboratory at UIU is operational, with functional AC mini-
grid, research and teaching facilities. The specialized facility can be also used to resolve AC mini-grid
technical issues arising as part of IDCOL mini-grid program. However, that primary objective was
towards mainstreaming DC mini-and micro-grids, by demonstrating resolution of outstanding questions
on safety, and thereby recommending standards which are acceptable and comparable with widely
accepted AC safety standards. It is evident from draft report submitted by UIU that much remains to be
done to fulfil these expectations. The mission regarded the progress towards these objectives as below
satisfactory. IDCOL agreed that they will have UIU submit the revised report incorporating
preliminary test results on DC mini-and micro-grid, and appropriate recommendations by
December 31, 2016. More details are in Annex 4.
c. IDCOL Technical Monitoring Facility: This facility will strengthen IDCOL’s technical ability for
monitoring SHS, solar mini-grid and solar irrigation, biogas slurry testing, ICS, and water quality.
Remaining test equipment for biogas, slurry and water quality will be delivered by December 2016.
The facility is expected to be operational only by end January 2017. More details are in Annex 4.
d. SIP Testing Facility: The need to test and verify performance of solar irrigation pumps using standard
procedures and simulated operations conditions will be critical when the IDCOL SIP program reached
the scale-up stage. IDCOL has thus developed a proposal for establishment of such a facility for testing
of pumps. However, the mission informed IDCOL that before supporting further laboratories, the
BUET and UIU laboratories would need to be fully functional.
e. SHS Technical Standards upgrade: This provides for on-going support to the Technical Standards
Committee (TSC), which approves components and products as a continuous process covering all
aspects of SHS, irrigation and other programs. Several specification enhancements especially
addressing LED for SHS have been recommended and adopted, and recommendations made on SIP
standards. Progress is satisfactory. The mission was pleased to note that an independent evaluation by
Lighting Global of IDCOL-approved LED lamps found that these lamps exceeded the Lighting Global
requirements.4
4 See: Asif Hassan, Jeffrey Mosbacher, Arne Jacobson, LED Lamps for Solar Home Systems in Bangladesh, Project
Report by Schatz Energy Research Center for Lighting Global, June 2016. The report noted: “The lumen maintenance test
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f. Training: IDCOL is supporting technical and vocational training institutions to offer certification
courses for technicians in SHS, mini-grids and SIPs, design, installation and maintenance. Other
training initiatives taken by IDCOL include training on larger capacity SHS to be installed in grid areas,
efficient use of water under solar irrigation, solar inverter technology. IDCOL has already conducted
101 training sessions for the beneficiary farmers on agriculture and efficient usage of water through its
agriculturists. IDCOL will also arrange user trainings under solar mini-grid projects currently under
operation. Details are provided in Annex 5.
g. Technical Audits: Technical Audits for SHS are undertaken on a two year basis. IDCOL is undertaking
corrective actions based on Technical Audit conducted by BUET.
h. Impact Evaluation Surveys: The consultant is now on-board and the inception report was submitted.
The first consumer/user surveys are being conducted by BIDS, for mini-grid, SIPs, ICS and biogas.
i. Research and Development (R&D) Funds: Out of the USD6 million of technical assistance funds under
the original credit, USD1 million was set aside for supporting R&D activities for improvement of
existing renewable energy technologies as well as for development of new renewable energy solutions
for Bangladesh. Expression of Interests (EOI) was issued and currently, 13 proposals have been
accepted under the fund, which are at various stages of implementation. The proposals include, among
others, solar powered rickshaw vans and boats, DC nano-grid etc. Annex 6 has the details.
Component 2: Household Energy Component
32. Improved Cook Stoves (ICS): ICS program progress is satisfactory with total ICS sales reaching
825,000 as of September 2016 (financing released for 581,934 as of September 30, 2016), compared to the
target of 1 million by December 2018. IDCOL stopped support for Tier I ICS as of June 30, 2016.5
Consequently, there was a surge in sales in June of 178,684 of largely Tier I ICS. Since July 2016, the sales of
Tier II and above ICS are gradually risen to 25,000 per month in September 2016. Previously ICS sales averaged
approximately 75,000 pm. See Figure 3. The reduced volume of ICS sales at present is partly due to transition
to manufacturing of higher efficiency Tier II. It is likely that the rate will stabilize at around 40,000 per month.
33. With this pace of implementation, the project target of dissemination of one million ICS is likely to be
reached before June, 2017 which is 18 months before the planned date of end 2018. In order to keep the program
going beyond June 2017, considering the slower pace of installation of the biogas digesters for cooking, the
current IDA allocation for biogas digesters can be utilized for supporting ICS. Since both ICS and biogas
digesters are supported under the Household Energy component, no formal reallocation is necessary. The
mission will in the meantime explore other funding options. Beyond 1 million ICS, IDCOL will need to re-
assess the level of subsidy taking into account the fact that the need to support market development activities
will not be at the same level as present with the momentum already achieved in ICS sales.
results indicate that the average IDCOL-approved product had a light output after 2000 hours of use that was 96% of its
original light output, while the average local market product had a light output that as only 62% of its original value after
2000 hours. Moreover, 85% of the IDCOL-approved products achieved the recommended threshold specified in IEC TS
62257-12-1 of at least 90% of the original light output after 2000 hours, while only 32% of the local-market products
achieved this threshold for LED durability. With regard to quality of workmanship, 92% of the IDCOL product models
were evaluated as having good workmanship and 8% had adequate workmanship. Of the local-market LED products, only
63% of the local market LED products were determined to have good workmanship, while 21% had adequate workmanship
and 16% had poor workmanship.” 5
IWA VITA WBT Tiers Tier 0 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4
Thermal Efficiency < 15% ≥ 15% ≥ 25% ≥ 35% ≥ 45%
10
34. The current disbursement ceiling of BDT 50 million for the designated account for household energy
component has created a temporary disbursement backlog due to the high volume of disbursement request for
ICS in June (the ceiling is adequate to support 60,000 ICS per month). The volume is expected to pick up in
next few months. The ceiling will be revised upward once the monthly sales reaches the ceiling amount to ensure
smooth disbursement without backlogs.
Figure 3 ICS Sales
35. In order to improve the performance levels of concrete ICS supported under the project, a R&D contract
was signed with BUET to improve the efficiency and emission of concrete ICS and as well as development of
metallic body ICS with IWA Tier II and higher level performance. BUET has now completed the assignment
and 6 models of higher efficiency (Tier II and III) concrete ICS have been produced. The details of the success
of the program are given in Annex 7. Two metal body ICS also have been developed with Tier-IV level
efficiency. The contract also included a program for the development of biochar pellet. The program was
technically successful but is not economically viable currently.
36. Biogas Plants. A total of 44,572 biogas plant have been installed mainly using mainly KfW finance,
of which 1,453 units were supported under RERED II. Implementation of biogas plants remains slow. Monthly
achievement rate remains at 40% of the planned target (i.e., 198 compared 480). The yearly target achievement
rate is even lower at 36% (i.e., 2652 compared to 7385). Most of the biogas units installed with IDCOL support
has been financed with KfW support (a total of 44,572 biogas units). With the recent introduction of the PBD
(Pre-fabricated Biogas Digester), the installation is expected to pick up in the near future. IDCOL has been
successful in having import duties reduced to 11% from 24% for Prefabricated Biogas digesters (PBD). IDCOL
will continue to pursue with the National Board of Revenue for further reduction of the import duties.
37. Biogas technology improvement. IDCOL has signed a contract for R&D on biogas with a consortium
led by BUA (Bangladesh University of Agriculture). The objective is developing a PBD (Prefabricated Biogas
Digester) model using standard products from local industries which are likely to be both cost effective and
more efficient in terms of conversion of inputs to biogas. IDCOL has also signed a second contract on Biogas
R&D with Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) with similar objectives but somewhat
different approach. The work is beginning after initial setting up of the laboratories in both the cases. It is hoped
that some definitive indication on the progress will be available by the end of the year. More details are provided
in Annex 7.
76,976 83,178
178,092
13,45124,378 25,120
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
Apr, 16 May, 16 Jun, 16 Jul, 16 Aug, 16 Sep, 16
ICs
Inst
alla
tio
ns
Months
ICS Installation Trend
11
38. Technical audits of biogas. IDCOL has been regularly conducting Monitoring and Evaluation of the
Biogas Program by independent third parties. UPM GmbH is undertaking the latest round of M&E over the
period June 2015 – June 2017. The scope of work includes technical and agricultural monitoring and support
IDCOL in the implementation of the Action Plan developed during the last M&E assignment. The consultants
will also provide support to the strategic program development by considering design improvements,
dissemination of PBDs, diversification of biogas appliance models, private sector development, value chain
development; and enhanced owner and user training.
Component 3: Sector Technical Assistance
39. The implementation progress of the component is now rated Satisfactory as the different activities are
now going smoothly. Some of the critical activities supported under this component includes: i) Gas Sector
Master Plan (evaluation report under approval at Power Division); ii) Gas Sector Production Sharing Contract
(PSC) review (short-listing to be revisited based on IDA comments); iii) multi-tier framework baseline survey
(consultant appointed and inception report submitted); iv) Feasibility Study for ground-mounted utility scale
solar at Feni and other sites (contract signing expected shortly).
40. The component supports some of the energy efficiency activities with SREDA: (i) Support for
Designing and Implementing an LED Lighting Deployment Program and Incandescent Lamps Phase-out Policy
Development Initiative. Draft report was submitted and Bank provided extensive comments. Revised final
report is expected to be disseminated by December 2016. (ii) Support to SREDA in the area of its Institutional
Strengthening, Capacity Building and Implementation of Action Plan. An international expert on energy
efficiency is now on board; (iii) Supporting an Assessment, Feasibility Analysis and Overall Design of Target-
cum-Incentive based Energy Efficiency Improvement Program in Industries: Bank has been providing support
through an ESMAP trust-fund covering the following three specific activities: (i) Pilot project on Developing
a Centralized EE Data Repository (CEEDR) and Analytics Lab for Textile industry (selected Spinning &
Weaving Mills) with SREDA and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA); (ii) Design of a National EE
Measurement & Verification (M&V) Certification/ Accreditation System with SREDA; and (iii) Design and
outlining of a National Waste Heat Utilization Program with SREDA and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and
Industries (DCCI). The work on all three tasks are at final stage of completion. For the CEEDR activities, the
mission recommended that SREDA and IDCOL work together to incorporate this in the JICA supported energy
efficiency credit line project so that the efficiency improvements of the industries accessing the credit line can
be monitored.
41. ERD request was received recently to allocate SDR 3.3 million (USD4.5 million equivalent at current
dollar terms) of the Un-allocated amount under the original credit (Cr. 5158) to the Sector Technical Assistance
component (disbursement category 5) implemented by Power Cell. An amount of USD5.53 million has been
disbursed leaving about USD3.55 million un-disbursed. Power Cell estimates that USD1.49 million will be
utilized by the on-going activities. With several new activities included recently (Gas sector master plan, gas
sector PSC review, power sector ERP implementation support etc), and with some more planned in the near
future, Power Cell estimates that another USD6.35 million will be needed to support these new activities. A
formal reallocation will be done later when the current allocation under the TA component is exhausted. IDCOL
does not need to draw on the un-allocated category based on current projections. Annex 7 has more details on
the status of current activities by Power Cell under the component.
VI. Fiduciary and Safeguards
Environment Safeguards
42. Solar Home System. IDCOL shared the annual environment health safety compliance status report of
battery suppliers and recyclers On September 18, 2016. In the last one year the IDCOL visited seventeen battery
manufacturing and recycling plants. Eight plants were found satisfactory on environment management,
remaining six were in moderate and three of them are expanding their manufacturing capacity. Annex 7
provides the details. It was also reported that 22 out of 47 POs complied with environment health safety (EHS)
in their regional offices. The mission emphasized the need for complying with environment issues in all batteries
12
plant and the POs offices by July, 2017.
43. The monitoring reports (January 2016 to June 2016) on the status of lead acid batteries indicated that
IDCOL inspected 13,802 SHSs with warranty expired batteries (6 Years old). Out of which, 12,716 (92%)
systems the batteries were not replaced. It was observed during inspection that among the not-replaced batteries
76% (9,588) were functioning well, 18% (2,315) were not in good condition but still functioning and 6% were
not functioning due to the total damage, systems return or systems not found.
44. Mini-Grid, SIPs and biogas plants. The site-specific environment assessment/screening (EA) for 23
mini-grid, 657 solar irrigation pumps (SIP) (372 are operational), eight biogas plants were carried by the
sponsors and duly reviewed by IDCOL. The reports are being uploaded in IDCOL’s website regularly. No major
environment issues (like as depletion of underground water table, impact on habitat, water logging, clogging of
natural drainage patterns etc.) was reported in the site visit reports of IDCOL.
45. Photovoltaics (PV) modules. Utilization of Solar PV has grown at tremendous rates in Bangladesh
since 2004. Given an average panel lifetime of 20 years, large amounts of annual waste are anticipated by the
early 2024. End-of-life management of PV panel will be a challenge and policy action is needed right now to
address the challenges ahead. The IDCOL should take initiative with support from Power Cell to engage
consultant by March 30, 2017 to formulate necessary guideline in this regard.
46. National guidelines for CFL disposal. A meeting of the steering committee headed by DG, Department
of Environment (DoE) and representatives from different relevant organization for adopting the
“Environmentally Safe Disposal and Recycling Guidelines for CFLs”, shall be held by December 30, 2016.
47. CEIA. A cumulative environmental impact assessment (CEIA) Study for Siddhirganj Power Hub
(including Meghnaghat) was carried out Power Cell under the RERED II project. A workshop on CEIA
presentation was held on September 24, 2016. The CEIA showed that the some of the environment parameters
already exceeded the threshold value, contributed by mostly other industries in the area. In the workshop, the
state minister of energy stressed for a planning process that looks at development plans in each sector taking
into account waste, pollution and ecosystems. It was agreed that Power Division will write to the DoE by
December 15, 2016 with a request to enforce strict monitoring of regulatory compliance in the non-power sector
industries that are contributing most to pollution in the area.
Fiduciary
48. The fiduciary performance is rated Satisfactory. The financial monitoring reports (FMRs) are being
submitted on time. The procurement performance of Power Cell (sector technical assistance) and IDCOL (for
technical assistance under access to electricity and household energy components) is satisfactory.
VII. Agreed actions to address issues
49. An agreed list of actions has been agreed and is attached as Annex 8. Below are some of the key actions
agreed:
Power Division to request the Prime Minister’s Office to form a high-level coordination committee
with participation of the concerned ministries and IDCOL to ensure close coordination of the SHS
program.
IDCOL to decide on a cut-off date at the earliest in consultation with the POs for discontinuing
credit sales of SHS without prepaid systems.
Close monitoring and supervision of SIPs installations being financed under BCCRF to ensure full
utilization of funds before December 31, 2016, the fund closing date.
Completion of installation of the testing laboratory at BUET by December 2016, setting up of
testing procedures and operating protocols and beginning testing soon thereafter.
13
Submission of the revised report by UIU on the 220 V DC Mini-grid Testing Facility incorporating
preliminary test results on DC mini-and micro-grid, and appropriate recommendations by
December 31, 2016.
Mini-grid and SIPs data collection, functionality testing protocol, and performance validation work
plan by December 2016. Assessment of water tariff by March 2017 and performance assessment
reports due once baseline survey data is available.
Steering committee meeting to be held by December 30, 2016 for adopting the CFL disposal
guidelines.
VIII. Timing of Next mission
50. The next implementation support mission is planned for April/May 2017.
14
Annex 1
List of Officials Met
Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources
1. Mr. Monowar Islam, ndc, Secretary, Power Division
2. Mr. Rahamat Ullah Mohd. Dastagir, Additional Secretary (Planning), Power Division
3. Mr. Mohammad Hossain, Director General, Power Cell
4. Mr. Mohammad Alauddin, Joint Secretary (Renewable Energy), Power Division
5. Mr. Sk. Md. Abdul Ahad, Joint Chief (Planning), Power Division
6. Mr. Mokhlesur Rahman, Deputy Chief (Planning), Power Division
Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Authority (SREDA)
1. Mr. Siddique Zobair, Member
Infrastructure Development Company Ltd (IDCOL)
1. Mr. Mahmood Malik, Executive Director & CEO
2. Mr. S. M. Monirul Islam, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Operations
3. Mr. Md. Enamul Karim Pavel, Head of Renewable Energy
4. Ms. Farzana Rahman, Unit Head (Investment), Renewable Energy
5. Ms. Mafruda Rahman, Senior Officer, Corporate Affairs
6. Mr. Md. Wahidur Rahman, Unit Head (Technical), Renewable Energy
7. Mr. Md. Serajul Hossain, Assistant VP & Unit Head (SHS Program)
8. Mr. A F M Shahed, Monitoring Officer, ICS
BUET
9. Dr. Sharif. Md. Mominuzzaman
10. Dr. Md. Ziaur Rahman Khan
11. Dr. A.B.M. Harun-ur-Rashid
United International University
12. Prof. Dr. M. Rezwan Khan
13. Mr. Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury
BCCRF SIP meeting
14. Dr. Patrick Meyer, Climate Adaptation Group Leader, USAID
15. Mr. Shayan Shafi, Project Management Specialist, USAID
16. Dr. Kevin Adkin, Climate Change Adaptation Advisor, USAID
17. Ms. Nafisa Ziauddin, Programme Manager, DFID
18. Mr. Raqibul Islam, Programme Manager, DFID
15
Annex 2
Results Framework for RERED II Project
Project Development Objectives
The proposed project development objective is to increase access to clean energy in rural areas through renewable energy
Project Development Objective Indicators
Indicator Name Core Unit of Measure Baseline
(Dec 2012)
Cumulative Target Values
2013 2014 2015 2016
2017 (as of
September 30,
2016)
2018
Number of households, farmers, and
businesses having access to clean energy services
Number 0 100,200 529,000 935,000 1,322,000 1,663,000 2,069,000
Achievements 183,066 499,529 835,005 1,554,184 1,772,145
Generation Capacity of Renewable
Energy (other than hydropower)
constructed- Solar MW 0 6 20 33 43 49 56
Achievements 6.42 16.73 27.92 41.17 42.96
Direct project beneficiaries
Million 0 0.5 2.4 3.8 4.8 5.3 5.7
Achievements 0.9 2.73 4.11 5.546 5.91
Female beneficiaries
Percentage 0 44 51 50 54 55 59
Achievements 44.73 43.17 47.32 54.21 55.46
People provided with access to electricity
by household connections Million 2.4 3.7 4.5 4.7 4.7
Achievements 2.73 4.05 5.14 5.32
People gained access to more energy-efficient cooking and/or heating facilities
Million 0 0 0 0.1 0.3 0.6 1.0
Achievements 0 0.03 0.407 0.58
16
Intermediate Results Indicators
Cumulative Target Values
Indicator Name Core Unit of Measure Baseline
(Dec 2012) 2013 2014 2015 2016
2017 (as of
September 30,
2016)
2018 2019
(as of Dec 2018)
Number of solar home systems installed
Number 0 100,000 524,000 824,000 1,001,000 1,030,000 1,030,000
Achievements 182,550 497,855 805,390 1,140,485 1,180,966
Number of connections made through
mini-grid systems and captive plants
Number
0 150 250 1,000 2,500 4,500 7,500
Achievements 0 0 256 2,279 2,655
Number of solar irrigation pumps installed
Number 0 30 40 190 440 790 1,250
Achievements 2 9 50 201 229*
Number of improved cook stoves purchased by households
Number 0 0 0 100,000 300,000 600,000 1,000,000
Achievements 0 0 25,136 405,670 581,934
Number of biogas plants installed
Number 0 100 4,400 10,220 18,340 29,700 33,000
Revised Targets 2,453 6,453 12,453 16,000
Achievements 301 1,453 1,453 1,453 1,453
Collection efficiency of the SHS POs
Percentage 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90%
Achievements 90% 88% 87% 86.85
Enabling policy for renewable energy
development Text
SREDA not operational
SREDA not operational
SREDA established
SREDA operational with
core staff
appointed
SREDA operational with core staff
appointed
SREDA operational with
core staff
appointed
SREDA operational with
core staff
appointed
Achievements SREDA Chairman
appointed
SREDA
operational with core staff
appointed
SREDA operational SREDA
Operational
* This is the number of pumps supported by the matching grants from USAID (6), GPOBA (28) and BCCRF (171); and credit from IDA (24) (for which matching grant was sourced from kFW). Another 285 pumps are
expected to be completed by December 31, 2016.
17
Annex 3
Matrix of Actions (To be updated)
Governance and Accountability Action Plan
Issues/Risks/
Objective
Actions Agency
responsible
Timeline Early Warning
Indicators to Trigger
Additional Action
Current Status
Service Delivery Risk
Ensure
adequately
competitive
market for
effective service
delivery
Carry out a market assessment to
gauge the extent to which
customers have options in
choosing the service provider
IDCOL
Early in project
implementation
Delays in initiating the
assessment
Earlier assessments indicated
adequate competition. With the
growth of the SHS market
declining, some POs will exit the
market.
Complete impact evaluation study
that includes an assessment of PO
performance
Study
consultant
Early in project
implementation
Delays in report
submission
Study completed. The study did
not indicate any discernible
differences in service delivery
quality across the POs.
Based on the assessments, take
appropriate interventions for
ensuring an adequately
competitive market
IDCOL Early in project
implementation
Delays in implementing
appropriate
interventions
Quality remains a focus of the
IDCOL program.
Conduct Technical audit by an
independent auditor on installation
quality
IDCOL
appointed
auditor
Every year during
project
implementation
Delays in appointing
auditor, non-
cooperation by the POs
Audit completed. Follow-on
actions are being taken.
Ensure
enhanced
reporting and
feedback
Undertake regular reporting by the
implementing agencies on
implementation
IDCOL/
BREB/ Power
Cell
Quarterly Lack of focal point or
frequent replacement
The financial monitoring reports
are submitted timely by the
agencies.
Ensure RTI Designated Officer in
place and proactive information
dissemination conducted
IDCOL/BREB
/Power Cell
Within three
months of
effectiveness
No designated officers
in place; check of
websites reveals lack of
information
Designated officers have been
appointed.
18
Issues/Risks/
Objective
Actions Agency
responsible
Timeline Early Warning
Indicators to Trigger
Additional Action
Current Status
Introduce third party monitoring
system
IDCOL Within the first
year of project
implementation
No initiative by the
implementing agency
A third party monitoring under a
Bank-executed trust fund
indicated 97% satisfaction rate
amongst consumers.
Introduce IT based systems for
reporting installation data and for
collecting customer feedback
IDCOL/POs Within the first
year of project
implementation
No initiative by the
implementing agency,
non-cooperation by the
POs
A small pilot from a Bank-
executed trust fund was
completed. A call center has been
contracted for customer surveys.
Periodic surveys are continuing.
Capacity Risk
Strengthen
institutional
capacity for
effective
implementation
Complete review of the
organization structure of IDCOL
Institutional
Development
Consultant
Early in project
implementation
Delays in
implementation of the
study recommendations
A separate department for
renewable energy is now
adequately staffed.
Appointment of Assistant Director
(Accounts)
Power Cell Before
disbursement of
the component
Delays in initiating
selection process
Appointment completed.
Reduce risk of
corruption in
procurement.
Conduct procurement audit by an
independent auditor on PO
procurement practices
IDCOL
appointed
auditor
Every alternate
year during
implementation
Delays in appointing
auditor, non-
cooperation by the POs
First phase of the procurement
audit completed. As part of the
audit recommendations, a
procurement guideline has been
adopted for the POs and IDCOL
has now a team of auditors
regularly visiting PO offices to
check adherence to the
procurement guidelines.
Appointment of a procurement
consultant and training for
procurement focal point
Power Cell Early in project
implementation
Delays in initiating
selection process
Procurement consultant on board.
19
Annex 4
Testing Laboratories
1. The establishment of a credible laboratory is far more challenging than the acquisition of the
test equipment itself. The mission recognizes that establishment of these laboratories in Bangladesh is
particularly challenging, but also notes that the proposals for the laboratories, and the considerable
resources allocated, were intended to overcome the many constraints of having to conduct tests outside
of the country. These laboratories are intended to be facilities of excellence both within Bangladesh,
and globally.
BUET Testing Laboratory
2. The mission visited the laboratory on 18th October 2016, and met with BUET team led by Prof
Ziaur Kahn, as follow-up to the 17th April 2016 meeting. Discussion resulted in the following
observations.
Laboratory itself is established within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
It is physically located on 6th floor in a large open area with requisite space available. It will
be managed by an organized team with functional responsibilities allocated within the
laboratory structure which will facilitate IEC 17025 accreditation.
Initial work for establishment of the laboratory dates back to late 2012 with MoU signed in late
2013. Test equipment procurements took place in late 2014 in several lots. Most of the
equipment was delivered in by April 2016.
As of October 2016, all of the test equipment that was previously delayed at Dhaka customs is
now delivered. All essential equipment is one site, including the PV module testing equipment,
battery testing equipment, and light dome.
Now that the test equipment is on site, the immediate delays in commissioning the equipment
are related to physical infrastructure.
o A large PV testing darkroom must be constructed within the laboratory for the flash
testers – this is not yet done as it requires BUET management approval to relocate a
doorway.
o Light dome requires to be housed within a controlled and dust-free environment. It
would be to same specification as the PV darkroom. This is not yet built.
o Battery testing: BUET proposes to demolish the existing concrete water bath for
temperature control – due to space constraints. The dust from this demolition will
certainly be problematic for the two “dust-free” darkrooms unless this demolition is
completed first and the dust allowed to settle fully.
o Therefore it seems that better planning and co-ordination is needed to ensure that the
test equipment on site is not damaged by dust during these ongoing construction
stages, and to expedite laboratory operation.
o Only after the completion of the building infrastructure will final commission and
training be done. Is it intended that these will be complete by January 2017, with
training shortly thereafter.
The physical infrastructure challenges are not the only delays. After commissioning and before
the laboratory can be fully operational, the laboratory organization staffing, management,
quality assurance approach, need to be finalized. It became clear during discussion that the
proposed test procedures and test methods are not yet finalized and that requisite documents
are not yet with the laboratory.
Accreditation of the laboratory to IEC 17025 will only be possible after some years of
successful operation. It was also mentioned full accreditation is likely not possible via local
20
accreditation agent due to the specific nature of the laboratory tests, and that this would need to
be done using international agents, further adding to time and costs.
In order to reduce impact of further delays, it is necessary to approach the challenges in a
parallel manner. Specifically, IDCOL laboratory consultant should begin his work
immediately, prepare the laboratory management and all test procedure documents for
distribution to the BUET staff, and require laboratory to be set-up before December 2016.
In terms of changes to the original proposals, BUET has already taken consideration of :
o LED lumen maintenance, ascertained by aging LED under controlled conditions to
100hr, 1,000hr and up to 4,000hr to assess quality. The lab had not provided for LED
aging. The lab is adopting procedures and facilities for LED aging at ambient
temperatures, at no additional cost. TSC standards for LED are already updated to
include lumen maintenance requirements, and Lighting Global/ IEC 62257-9-5
procedures are already being considered. LM79, LM80, LM25 procedures and
methods may also be of interest.
o Charge controller and inverter testing will be performed using existing laboratory test
and measurement equipment of BUET. An additional requirement is a temperature
controlled chamber to measure performance, set-points, efficiencies and stability under
elevated ambient temperature conditions. This has not been provided for under the
procurement and is a constraint. IEC test procedures have been shared with BUET by
from other sources.
IDCOL Technical Monitoring Facility and Equipment
3. A meeting was held at IDCOL with Md. Wahidur Rahman on 20th October 2016, with the
following observations. This facility is intended to strengthen IDCOL’s technical ability for monitoring
SHS, solar mini-grid and solar irrigation, biogas slurry testing, ICS, and water quality.
IDCOL facility will be located at another space rented by IDCOL near its head office.
Construction alterations were designed by IDCOL consultant and works are underway to ready
the facility, due for completion in May, 2017.
Equipment procurement for the facility has been undertaken for three lots:
o Lot 1: Successful procurement, with equipment delivery by 28 June 2016 for
monitoring SHS, solar mini-grid and solar irrigation.
o Lot 2: Unsuccessful initial bid. Rebid under a “shopping” procurement process, with
equipment expected to be installed by end November 2016, for equipment for biogas,
slurry and water quality testing.
o Lot 3: Successful procurement, with equipment delivered by 31 June 2016 and training
has been given for improved cookstove and emission measuring equipment.
Equipment and laboratory is expected to be fully operational by December 2016.
IDCOL has appointed a test facility manager to commence on March 2017.
United International University – DC Test Laboratory
4. A visit was conducted to the laboratory on 17th October 2016, and met with UIU team led by
Prof. Rezwan Kahn, and Mr Shahriar Chowdhury, as follow-up to the 17th April 2016 visit. Discussion
resulted in the following observations.
The Laboratory is now established within the UIU, physically located on new building on roof
level, with large PV arrays on the new laboratory roof space.
21
The concept for this facility dates back to early 2012, and the final proposals and agreements
and MoU were signed in late 2014. The building construction was completed in late 2015.
The unique facility is for promotion of DC mini-grids. The laboratory is intended to answer the
questions on whether and how DC mini grids can be implemented, and to compare performance
of DC mini grids with the existing AC mini grids. Facility is designed for assessment and
demonstration of performance, safety, and fine-tuning of both AC and DC mini-grids and their
key components. Primarily, it is intended to address the perceived safety and performance
arguments, together with lack of standards, which are barriers to large scale DC mini-grid and
micro-grid roll-out.
The hardware and components of the AC mini-grid are fully installed and operational as of
April 2016. These include 3 x 48V battery banks, SMA 3 phase bi-directional inverters and
AC coupled inverters with switch gear and safety features.
The facility is intended to be switchable between DC and AC mini-grids. The DC mini-grid
change-over as designed is not complete. Development work is still ongoing on DC mini-grid
development and demonstration. It is not yet possible to demonstrate a DC mini-grid with the
same performance and safety features as the current AC mini-grid installed (refer to boxes 3
and 4 shared in October 2014).
As of October 2016, UIU has submitted a draft final report on the progress of DC mini-grid
component development, which is suited for micro-grid level performance. It seems that this
research work has not utilized at all the specialized mini-grid equipment installed under
laboratory, and might have been possible in an existing electrical or electronics laboratory. Key
questions that must be answered to allow promotion and financing of DC mini-grids, and the
raison d'etre for the facility itself, remain largely unfulfilled. The mission conducted follow-up
meeting with the UIU laboratory director to clarity expectations.
There are other uses and benefits of for the DC/AC mini-grid laboratory:
o The laboratory can be also used to resolve AC mini-grid technical issues arising, under
controlled environment, including:
addressing perceived performance issues relating to AC-coupled component
interactions; including phase-shift fold-back power limiting of grid-tie
inverters and DC charge current limiting of bi-directional inverters using the
same SMA equipment deployed at 95% Bangladesh PV mini-grids.
resolution of remote data-logging issues and remote monitoring deficiencies,
evident at most mini-grids installed under IDCOL programme, including
measurement of parameters that are not currently captured (battery in/out
energy; AC feeder power / energy; diesel engine power/energy).
o General testing of mini-grid add-ons before approval and installation in the field:
testing of data-logging system for non-SMA equipment or for DC mini-grids.
enhancement of central data-capture and data viewers to collect all the
necessary information from all remote mini-grid data-loggers, using SCADA
database or SMA OPC server.
UIU laboratory is intended for the purpose of identifying these types of problems inverter under
controlled environment. Therefore the mission requests the following:
o The AC mini-grid configuration implemented so far is based on minimal 1-day
autonomy battery sizing, and thus requires on-demand operation of the hybrid diesel
generator for reliable plant functioning. Mini-grid sponsors were turning off the diesel
permanently to save money – but these challenges now appear resolved through
awareness raising to the need for generator on-demand operation. However, there are
suggestions that it remains to be proven that the overall solar plant is operating at
22
optimal design efficiency, and is not relying on costly generator operation to sustain
energy supply.
o Further, it has been demonstrated that the remote monitoring systems installed as-is as
inadequate for performing even basic energy balance, or addressing challenges
remotely. Specific needs are in the box 1 below.
o Mission requested UIU in April 2016 to conduct a simple depletion and charge test
using their laboratory to bench mark the AC system charge performance. This has not
been done. The specific procedure is in the box 2 below.
Box 1: Mini-grid power and energy balance metering
SMA STP meters
SMA SI meters
Missing meters
PV Array
+ - + -+ -
kWh
Remote display
kW and kWh meter
Battery
Bi-directional
Inverter
Grid tied Inverter
kWh kWh
kWh
kWh IN
+ -Diesel Generator
kWh OUT
Feeder to
consumers
kWh
PV Array PV Array
23
Box 2: IDCOL mini-grids – AC coupled array charging efficiency
o It has been suggested that the AC-coupled PV arrays in the existing IDCOL mini-
grids may not be charging the batteries at maximum efficiency via the AC-DC bi-
directional inverters supplied, in all cases being SMA Sunny Island (SI) units6.
o The problem, when present, is understood to manifest in and be related to frequency
shift curtailment of the PV-AC inverter by the SI. The result would be that the PV
array is not operating near its maximum power point, which would not ensure
maximum charge to the battery when needed. If this were the case, it has significant
implications for all IDCOL mini-grids, which use SI, and are now all moving
towards 100% AC coupled arrays, with the DC coupled arrays being discontinued.
o The issue, when arising, may be related to firmware, or settings within the inverters,
or transient interactions, configuration issues, or SMA design issues. Or the problem
may not be present within certain SMA batches or serial numbers.
In any case, IDCOL needs to know if there are set-up, design, configuration, or
warranty problems, or not
UIU as owners engineer needs to know the same.
UIU as AC/DC mini-grid experts should be in position to take a lead role in this
investigation.
o The issue is difficult to assess on site under uncontrolled conditions.
o Since this laboratory is specifically and fully equipped and mandated to assess and
make these comparisons, it should be done with urgency.
o The basic procedure to be conducted while measuring all electrical inputs is:
Deplete battery to a state that it will absorb the full array power (say 50% DoD),
Charge battery via PV only, with no grid feed supply.
Measure or asses the actual array MPP
Measure array actual output (Vop, Iop)
Assess whether AC grid tie SMA STP is curtailing the array, or is operating at
MPP
Assess whether SI is curtailing STP AC grid inverter
Under what conditions does this occur / replicate
Quantify the impact, in Ah delivered to battery, to system energy performance,
and to battery life.
Solution – what is the remedy?
Is AC coupled array adequate under these conditions?
o While it is understood that these are Lenders Engineers issues, it is in the interests
of the Owners Engineer to resolve these.
6 Essentially, the issue relates to historical problems with compatibility between SMA STP and Sunny Island as a
result of firmware issues, limiting bi-di battery charger performance of the AC coupled arrays. The problem, once
identified, is known to be very difficult to correct, and requires an SMA technician to attend to it as the most cost effective
solution.
24
Box 3: Suggested AC mini-grid safety tests
Box 4: Suggested DC mini-grid safety tests
DC cablesAC 220V
Faults and safety testsIslanding (unintentional) turn off Main DB, and assess time response for voltage and current at D,E to become zero
DC Ground Fault: short PV Array DC + and then DC- to earth and assess responses. Use other short-circuit resistances.
AC Distribution fault: Short between AC cables L-N at D and then at E to assess time response at B. Use other short-circuit resistances.
AC Earth fault: Short first L-earth and then N-earth at D, and assess time response at B, D and E. Use other short-circuit resistances.
Consumer ELP: Short first L-earth and then N-earth at G, and assess time response at G, F, D, D and E. Use other short-circuit resistances.
Consumer short: Short L-N at G, and assess time response at G, F, D, D and E. Use other short-circuit resistances.
Earthing configurations
Repeat tests with different PV array eathing, distribution earthing options, consumer earthing, battery and AC earthing arrangements
Distribution cables
Repeat tests with different inductance cables
Normal Operation
Confirm function of all DB
Battery charger controllers in bi-di inverter
Full load functionality of system
Overload protection thresholds
Suggested components
Bi-directional inverter/charger Sunny Island 2224 2,2kW inverter, 5.75kW charger
Battery 10,8kWh: 450Ah 24V comprising 18 x 12V 50Ah batteries
Generator 3kW AC output
PV array (option 1) 1.040kW, 275Vmpp, comprising 8 x 130Wp 35V modules
PV array (option 2) Agilent PV array similator E4360A main frame with 2 x E4362A-J04 (see note below)
PV inverter 1 Sunny Boy 1600 TL transformerless
PV inverter 2 Sunny Boy 1700 galvanically isolated
Agilent PV array simulator
Mainframe http://www.home.agilent.com/en/pd-1370006-pn-E4360A/modular-solar-array-simulator-mainframe-1200w?nid=-34612.771280&cc=ZA&lc=eng
modules http://www.home.agilent.com/en/pd-1782626-pn-E4362A/solar-array-simulator-dc-module-170v-38a-596w?nid=-34612.923348&cc=ZA&lc=eng
control tools http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/software.jspx?cc=ZA&lc=eng&ckey=1419628&nid=-34612.923348&id=1419628
SAS http://www.home.agilent.com/en/pd-1722497/agilent-solar-array-simulation-sas-system?nid=-33869.908483.00&cc=ZA&lc=eng
Battery Generator AC
Bi-directionalinverter/charger
Main DB &kWh meter
PV inverter 1 & kWh meter
Consumer DB, ELP & kWh meter
Consumer DB, ELP & kWh meter
PV inverter 2 & kWh meter
PV Array 1 PV Array 2
Generator DB &kWh meter
AC Load AC Load
inductance inductanceinductanceinductanceA B C
D E
G
F H
I
DC cables
Faults and safety testsIslanding turn off Main DB, and assess time response for voltage and current at D,E to become zeroDC Ground Fault: short PV Array DC + and then DC- to earth and assess responses. Repeat at various other locations and short circuit resistances. DC Distribution fault: Short between DC cables + to - at D and then at E to assess time response at B. Use other short-circuit resistances.
DC earth fault: Short first + to earth and then - to earth at D, and assess time response at B, D and E. Use other short-circuit resistances.
Consumer ELP: Short first + to earth and then - to earth at G, and assess time response at G, F, D, D and E. Use other short-circuit resistances.
Consumer short: Short + to - G, and assess time response at G, F, D, D and E. Use other short-circuit resistances.
Earthing configurations
Repeat tests with different PV array eathing, distribution, consumer earthing, battery and DC earthing arrangements
Distribution cables
Repeat tests with different inductance cables
Normal Operation
Confirm function of all DB
Battery charger controllers and LVD controller
Full load functionality of system
Overload protection thresholds
Suggested components
Battery relay fast response TBA: to auto-disconnect and prevent and meet response requirements
Battery shunt over charge control TBA: dump load to prevent battery overcharge? Series charge controllers may also be tested: TBA
Battery LVD relay controller TBA -
Battery 10,8kWh: 50Ah 216V comprising 18 x 12V 50Ah batteries . 275V equalisation voltage
Generator AC 3kW AC output
Rectifier AC-DC simple bridge rectifier
PV array (option 1) 1.040kW, 275Vmpp, comprising 8 x 130Wp 35V modules , sufficient to equalise battery
PV array (option 2) Agilent PV array similator E4360A main frame with 2 x E4362A-J04 (see notes on AC mini-grid sheet)
PV MPPT1 ,2 if used, TBA, otherwise inject directly into network
PV relay protection TBA: to auto-disconnect PV array in faults and to prevent islanding
TBA To be finalised - the UIU proposal contains some information that these functions would be a performed by a single centralised controller.
Battery Generator AC
Battery Relay protection system / fast response programmeable
Main DB &DC kWh meter
PV MPPT 1
Consumer DB & DC kWh meter
Consumer DB & DC kWh meter
PV MPPT 2
PV Array 1 PV Array 2
Rectifier, DB &kWh meter
DC Load DC Load
inductance inductanceinductanceinductanceA B C
G
F H
I
PV Relay protection / disconnect fast response
PV Relay protection / disconnect fast response
Battery shunt controller /dump load
D E
25
Annex 5
SHS Training Program Status
Type of Training Purpose Arranged by Participants Trained
To-date
Staff Training For capacity development of the field staffs
about SHS technical and field operational
issues
Partner
Organizations
(PO's)
POs Field Staffs 30,197
Customer Training To train the customers about optimum use
and basic maintenance of SHS
Customers 1,565,942
Technician
Training
local technicians of the villages were
trained to provide maintenance support to
the SHS users so that in absence of the POs
staffs
Technical
Institutes i.e.
DUET, KUET,
UIU & PSL
Local people 1,894
Technical Training To train the POs technical staffs about the
technical details of the SHS
POs Technician 1,774
Micro Credit
Management
For better management of Credit under SHS
program
Palli Karma-
Sayahak
Foundation
(PKSF)
Program
Manager
83
Collection
efficiency
Management
For better management of Credit under SHS
program
IDCOL
Regional
Managers
570
Management
Training for the
Branch Managers
For better management of the branch
operation of the POs under SHS program
BM of PO's 655
Management
Training
To train the Program Managers of the POs
about the critical management issues
PO's Officials at
Head Office
202
Training of
Trainers
To build the capacity of the Trainers
regarding SHS technical and operational
issues
PO's Officials 496
Procurement
Management
To train the procurement of the staffs about
the procurement process
PO's Officials 78
Total 1,598,848
On an average about 1,600 customer training programs are conducted by the POs and about 35,000
customers are trained every month about the basic maintenance
About 500 POs staffs are trained in every month through 20 staff training programs
26
Annex 6
Research and Development (R&D) on Renewable Energy in Bangladesh
1. USD1 million was set aside out of the USD6 million of technical assistance fund under the
original credit (Cr. 5158) of the REREDII project to support R&D initiatives. IDCOL invited
Expression of Interest (EoI) from national entities/individuals interested to conduct R&D activities for
improvement of existing renewable energy technologies as well as for development of new renewable
energy solutions for Bangladesh. Till date 13 projects have been awarded to different research teams to
develop different R&D facilities.
2. IDCOL has extended grant support to different research teams of United International
University (UIU) for four different projects. One is to develop a hybrid mini cold storage and to study
the financial feasibility of establishing cold storage while another team is working on the development
of solar PV panel energized boats. Both the projects are mainly designed for the rural remote areas of
the country. Third team is developing a smart solar irrigation monitoring system suitable in the context
of the country.
3. Under the fourth project, UIU and Solshare have developed a robust and affordable Community
based DC Nanogrid for combined household and Productive use. This project has received worldwide
recognition and acclamation from international bodies i.e. 2016 Intersolar Award – “Outstanding Solar
Project” and 2016 UN Momentum for Change Award as the first Bangladeshi institution.
4. BRAC University has developed 15 solar powered electric rickshaw-vans (human hauler,
ambulance, cargo). Torque sensor paddle was used to minimize initial inrush current.
5. A team led by a professor from Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET) is
conducting research to design & develop a thermal energy storage system using proper Phase Changing
Material (PCM) i.e. water to avoid expensive battery backup system of conventional solar cold storage.
6. Another project to facilitate source segregation and safe disposal of wastes in Bagherhat
municipality was awarded to Practical Action. The objective of this task is to develop a Public-Private-
Partnership (PPP) model for a community based biogas plant considering the municipal solid waste
(MSW). The project activities include design and construction of a treatment plant, supply and storage
of biogas for cooking and running machines etc.
7. Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission is working to produce dye-sensitized solar cell using
local technology and resources.
8. To find a sustainable alternative source of electricity ‘Solar E Technology’ has developed a
facility having solar powered battery charging booths for electric vehicles i.e. easy bike, electric
rickshaw and electric car. Under a separate project Solar E Technology is also developing a cost
effective and sustainable solar hybrid cold storage systems for rural areas to preserve fresh produce,
fresh milk & medicines.
9. IDCOL extended grant support to Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology
(BUET) to develop a R&D facility to synthesize and characterize mutiferroic nanoparticles to enhance
their photo-catalytic activity and to produce hydrogen fuel by photo-catalytic decomposition of water.
10. IDCOL has awarded two separate projects to BAU and B. Tech Construction & Consulting to
analyze cow, buffalo dung and microbial community, analyze microbial dynamics during anaerobic
digestion of animal dung, pH and temperature dynamics to increase the efficiency of biogas production
and augmentation of cow dung with other organic feedstock. Both the organizations have the same
objective, although their approach to the problem is different.
27
Summary of the R&D projects are shown in the table below:
S
l. Phase Topic
Principal Investigator
(Organization)
Duration
(months)
Signing
Date
Completi
on Date
Budget
(BDT)
Disbursed
(till date) Progress To Do
1
1
Dye sensitized
solar cell
production with
natural dye
Dr. Mubarak Khan
(Atomic Energy
Commission)
12 2 Aug
2015
2 Aug
2016 11,770,000 1,059,3000
Lab set up completed
Final report will be
submitted shortly
Final report
2 Solar boat Dr. Lutful Kabir (UIU) 12 2 Aug
2015
2 Aug
2016 4,151,400 3,113,550
Development of all 5
samples
Testing ongoing
Test run
Final report
3 DC nano grid Mr. Shahriar (CER,
UIU) 9
2 Aug
2015
2 May
2016 5,584,000 5,304,800 completed -
4 Solar powered
rickshaw van
Dr. Malek Azad
(BRACU) 12
2 Aug
2015
2 Aug
2016 4,900,000 4,410,000 Completed -
5 Solar hydrogen
fuel Dr. Basith (BUET) 18
2 Aug
2015
2 Feb
2017 7,425,600 5,940,480
Lab setup done
Hydrogen production
and data collection
undergoing
Final report by February 2017
6 Solar charging
station
Mr. Naimul Islam (Solar
E tech.) 6
2 Aug
2015
2 Feb
2016 1,765,800 1,412,640 Completed -
7
2
Waste to energy
project
Md. Mahobul Islam
(Practical Action) 18
20 Jan
2016
20 June
2017 6,429,305 2,571,722
3 specialized rickshaw
vans development
Household survey
Construction started
Completion of the construction
MoU with the Municipality
Gas distribution network and
other utility facilities
Record keeping system for
waste collection
8 Solar Hybrid
Cold Storage
Mr. Kamrul Hasan
Khan/ Solar E
Technology
7 20 Jan
2016
20 Aug
2016 3,784,200 3,216,570
Installation of
equipment almost done
Test run & evaluation
Final report
9
Solar PV-Diesel
Hybrid Mini
Cold Storage for
Rural Off-grid
Areas of
Bangladesh
Dr. Intekhab Alam/
Solargaon 10
20 Jan
2016
20 Aug
2016 2,983,500 447,525
Design completed
Procurement of
equipment
Lab set up
Test run & analysis
Final report
1
0
PCM Based
Hybrid Mini
Cold Storage
Dr. Hasan Mohammad
Mostofa Afroz/ DUET 24
22 Feb
2016
22 Feb
2018 9,145,843 914,584
Inception report
completed
Equipment & supplier
finalization
28
Field survey done
Design completed
Integration of the cold storage
Testing & performance
evaluation
Implementation and final report
1
1
Remote
monitoring and
prepaid billing
of Solar
irrigation system
Mr. Shahriar Ahmed
Choudhury/ UIU 9
22 Feb
2016
22 Nov
2016 7,986,600 3,194,640
Prepaid billing &
monitoring software
development ongoing
Conceptual control
circuit
Equipment
procurement for
prototype
Demo and main Lab set-up
Completion of billing and
monitoring software
Demo project testing &
performance assessment
Final report
1
2
3
Development of
a Sustainable
Biofilm
Mediated
System
Dr. Engr. Salma Akhter
(SUST) 6
22 Feb
2016
22 July
2017 2,500,000 250,000
Sample and materials
collection, screening
microbial consortia,
literature review
Isolation of HPM and
screening of potential
biofilm developers for
biogas production
Characterization of biofilm
properties
Development of immobilization
method for hydrolysis of
feedstock
Batch experiment on hydrolysis
and biogas production
Design, fabrication, assembling
and operation of a two-stage
reactor for biogas production
Development of slurry into
value added products
Final report
1
3
Production
Efficiency of
Biogas in
Bangladesh
Prof. Dr. Alimul Islam 18 22 Feb
2016
22
August
2017
7,500,265 5,614,784
Analysis of cowdung,
chicken droppings,
kitchen waste
Microbial community
analysis
Augmentation of cow
dung with other organic
feedstock
sample collection,
equipment installation
and use of laboratory
Analysis of Microbial Dynamics
during Anaerobic Digestion of
Animal Dung
pH and temperature dynamics
during biogas production,
Operational improvements,
towards upgrade of the field
test area, and use of required
field test equipment
Final report
29
Annex 7
Household Energy Component
1. Improved Cook Stoves
(i) ICS Implementation Progress: The program was started with IWA Tier-1 efficiency7 ICS
dissemination which were available at the time. R&D on the development of higher tier of the
low cost ICS was started early in the project which has now succeeded in developing Tier-II
and higher specification ICS. From July, 2016 Tier-1 ICS are no longer disseminated. With this
transition higher efficiency ICS, the dissemination dropped drastically in July (Fig.1) but rate
has started recovering. It is likely that the rate will stabilize at around 40,000 per month. With
this pace of implementation, the project target of dissemination of one million ICS is likely to
be reached before June, 2017 which is 18 months before the planned date of end 2018. In order
to keep the program going until the end of 2018 which is the project closing date, more
resources will be needed for the incentives for POs.
Fig. 1: Rate of ICS installation per month (Transition to Tier-II ICS lead to drastic fall in
July, 2016)
(ii) R&D on Higher Efficiency (Tier) ICS
The ICS program was initially started using concrete ICS of Tier-1 performance level for which designs
were available. In order to improve the performance levels of the concrete ICS, a R&D contract was
signed with to improve the efficiency and emission of concrete ICS and as well as development of
metallic body ICS with IWA Tier II& higher level performance. BUET has now completed the
assignment and 6 models of better performance concrete ICS have been produced. The comparison of
the performance of these models with base models originally adopted by IDCOL are shown in table-1.
The emission levels are also lower for these improved models. These model are being progressively
introduced for dissemination as reported above.
7 IWA (International Workshop Agreement) is an interim standards for ICS agreed in 2012 which is to be
followed by a future ISO standard.
45,408
14,042
15,090
14,695
24,668
33,073
38,646
47,560
63,200
78,670
59,417
60,479
76,762
83,183
178,684
14,677
24,378
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
200,000
Monthly Installation Numbers
30
Table 1: Comparison of Performance of New Models with Base Models Originally Adopted by
IDCOL
Concrete ICS High Power Thermal
Efficiency (%)
%
Increase in
Efficiency
IWA Tier Level of
the Improved ICS
Base
Models
Improved
Models
10-9” chimney stove 22.0 40.5 84.0 Tier-III
9-8” chimney stove 22.0 36.3 65.0 Tier-III
10” chimney stove 18.7 30.4 62.4 Tier-II
9” chimney stove 17.8 28.1 58.4 Tier-II
8” portable chimney
stove
15.36 23.7
54.0
Tier-II
8” portable stove 24.66 35.2 42.8 Tier-III (Marginal)
BUET team also developed two highly efficient models of portable metal body stoves. Thermal
efficiencies of both models are of Tier-4 level. Both the metal stoves are of Tier-4 level in terms of
emission but one model belongs to Tier-4 and the other one belongs to Tier-3 with respect to indoor
emissions. CCT results of these metal stoves are very encouraging. These can save fuel wood around
70% compared to the traditional stoves. These two metal stoves have good future prospects in metal
stove market in Bangladesh.
Table 2: Thermal, emission performances and safety ranking of portable metal stoves and
traditional stove
Parameters 6-9” Portable
Metal Stove
6-4” Portable
Metal Stove
Traditional
Stove
High power thermal efficiency (%) 46.32±0.95 50.65±1.00 12.27±1.25
Tier-4 Tier-4 Tier-0
Low power Specific Energy
consumption (MJ/min.L)
0.046±0.002 0.047±0.003 0.187±0.01
Tier-1 Tier-1 Tier-0
Emissions
High power CO (g/MJd) 1.1±0.14 0.9±0.13 6.9±0.71
Tier-4 Tier-4 Tier-4
Low power CO (g/min/L) 0.027±0.002 0.025±0.002 0.193±0.01
Tier-4 Tier-4 Tier-1
High power PM2.5 (g/MJd) 44±4.29 20±1.89 299±37.77
Tier-3 Tier-4 Tier-2
Low power PM2.5
(mg/min/L)
0.5±0.11 0.2±0.06 5.90±0.5
Tier-4 Tier-4 Tier-1
Indoor
Emissions
Indoor emissions CO
(g/min)
0.067±0.001 0.07±0.01 0.411±0.005
Tier-4 Tier-4 Tier-4
Indoor emissions PM2.5
(mg/min)
2.8 ±0.42 1.5±0.25 17.9±0.21
Tier-3 Tier-4 Tier-1
Safety 10 weighted safety
parameters (points)
89.0 87.5 Not done
Tier-3 Tier-2 Not done
(iii) Bio-char Development: The R&D contract on ICS included a bio-char development
component. The idea was to conversion agricultural waste and other easily available biomass into
densified bio-char which can be transported and traded. Retort for biochar production and palletization
tool have been developed in the program. Field testing for marketing of the fuel pellets produced has
shown that that the process is still not currently economically viable. The process does not provide
comparable return for a worker with average daily wage of an agricultural labor (i.e., Tk 35. vs 400.).
31
2. Biogas Plants
(i) Implementation Challenges: Implementation of Biogas plants still remains slow. Monthly
achievement rate remains at 40% of the planned target (i.e., 198 compared 480). The yearly target
achievement rate is even lower at 36% (i.e., 2652 compared to 7385).
(ii) R&D on Biogas: IDCOL has taken up a R&D program on biogas with a consortium led by
BAU (Bangladesh University of Agriculture). A crush program has been taken up by the BAU to
develop a PBD (Prefabricated Biogas Digester) model using standard products from local industries
which are likely to be both cost effective and more efficient in terms conversion of inputs to biogas.
After initial gestation period involving setting up of the laboratory, the work is now progressing at
reasonable pace. IDCOL has also a 2nd contract with SUST (Shahjalal University of Science and
Technology). Although, the aims are roughly similar, the approach by this group is somewhat different.
The work in this group is also in the takeoff stage.
32
Annex 7
Status of On-going Activities of Power Cell under Sector TA Component
Sl.
No
Package
No Package Title Present Status
1 S-54
Development and Implementation Support for
Bangladesh Efficient Lighting Transformation Program
● Contract signed on 15.02.2016
● Interim Report Submitted by the Consultant
2 S-89
Feasibility Study for Development of Utility-Scale Solar
PV and Wind Project in Bangladesh
● Combined Evaluation has been approved on 09.10.2016
● Invitation has been sent to 1st responsive consultant for negotiation on
Draft Contract.
3 S-90
Monitoring the Implementation of Computerized
Integrated Financial Management Information System
(IFMIS) of BREB
● Contract signed on 14.07.2016
● Inception Report Submitted by the Consultant
4 S-59.1 ICT Road Map for Bangladesh Energy Sector ● Contract Signed on 15.02.2016
5 S-75
Consulting Services for update of Gas Sector Master Plan
(GSMP)
● Combined Evaluation has been approved on 28.07.2016
● Sent to Ministry for Approval on Draft
Negotiated Contract dated 24.08.2016
6 S-80 International LNG Legal Expert for Construction of
FSRU
Project, LNG Project Team (LNG Cell) of Petrobangla
● Contract signed on 02.12.2015
● Working under supervision of Petrobangla
7 S-81 International Procurement Expert for Evaluation
Committee to Select Owner’s Engineer of Ghorashal
Unit#4 Repowering Project
● Contract signed on 10.09.2015
● Working under supervision of BPDB
8 S-85 Consulting Services on Upgradation of Technical and
Fiscal Terms of the Model Production Sharing Contract
(PSC) for Oil & Gas Exploration in Bangladesh
● EOI Evaluation Report and Draft RFP sent to the World bank on
24.08.2016 for Clearance .
33
Sl.
No
Package
No Package Title Present Status
9 S-86 Feasibility Study of Enhancement & Strengthening of
Power Network in Eastern Region of PGCB
● Contract signed on 10.08.2016
● Inception Report Submitted by the Consultant
10 S-88 Consultancy services for detailed Residual Life
Assessment (RLA) of Ghorashal Unit No. 6, BPDB
● Contract Signed on 20.10.2016 for 30 days
11 S-96 International LNG Expert/Consultant for LNG Import and
TOP Supervision of Construction of FSRU Project, LNG
Project Team (LNG Cell), Petrobangla
● Contract signed on 04.09.2016
● Working under supervision of Petrobangla
12 S-84 Appoinment of Individual Consultant for BPMI ● Contract signed on 09.02.2016
● Draft MOA and Rules & Regulations submitted by Consultant
13 S-87 Baseline Survey for Global Multi-Tier-Measurement for
Access to Energy
● Contract signed on 16.08.2016
● Inception Report Submitted by the Consultant
14 S-98 Consulting Services for Assessment of compensation and
preparation of Resettelement Action Plan (RAP) for
Transmission Lines in ECGSTLP for T&D Project of
PGCB
● Proposal Submitted by consultant on 05.09.2016
● Evaluation process is on going
15 S-18 Digitalization of Sustainable and Renewable Energy
Development Authority (SREDA)
● Contract signed on 30.09.2015
● Progress Report of Software Development Submitted by the Consultant
16 S-19.01 Individual Consultant for Accounting & Financial
Consultant for BERC
● Contract signed on 30.11.2013
● Working under supervision of BERC
17 S-19.03 Individual Consultant for Consultancy Support for BERC
(Petroleum)
● Contract signed on 30.11.2013
● Working under supervision of BERC
18 S-41 Local Leagel Individual Consultant ● Contract signed on 24.09.2013
● Working under supervision of Power Cell
34
Sl.
No
Package
No Package Title Present Status
19 S-42 Individual Technical Consultant to assit Power Cell
(Local)
● Contract signed on 31.12.2015
● Working under supervision of Power Cell
20 S-70 Individual Consultant for Energy Efficiency &
Conservation Expert for SREDA
● Contract signed on 31.12.2015
● Working under supervision of SREDA
21 S-78 Individual Consultant for Research Associates for Power
Cell
● Contract signed on 25.08.2015
● Working under supervision of Power Cell
35
Annex 8
Status of EMS and OHSAs Compliance: Manufacturing & Recycling Battery Plant
Battery Suppliers
and recyclers
Application
of PPE
Status of
houseke
eping
Status of
EMS and
OHS
Availability of
trained
professional &
documentation
Medical
facilities
Operation of
ETP /ATP
and QC
report
Status of
storage
facilities
Arrangement
of fire
fighting
Score
NAVANA Bat. MS S S S S S S S 23
RIMSO Bat. S S S S S S MS S 23
Rahimafrooz Ac.
Ltd.
MS S S S S S S S 23
Confidence MS S S S S S S S 23
Panna Ltd. MS S S S S S S S 23
RANGS Bat. S S S MS MS S S S 22
ECO Bat. MS S MS S S S S S 22
EURO Bat. MS S S MS S S MS S 21
A & P Bat Manufacturing capacity expansion (From 7000 to 30000 pieces battery)
Silicon Power MS S S S S MS NIP MS 19
JCo Manufacturing capacity expansion (From 7000 to 30000 pieces battery)
Voltex Bat. S S S MS MS MS MS MS 19
Electro Bat. S S MS S S NIP MS S 19
Tanim Bat. MS NIP NIP NIP NIP 0 MS MS 10
GelTec Bat. Shifting premises to own land
[S=Satisfactory (3), MS= moderately satisfactory (2), NIP=Need improvement (1)
36
Annex 9
List of Agreed Actions
N Actions Responsibility Agreed Date Revised Date Status as of September
2016
1. Update installation
targets and financial
requirements
projections for all
investment and TA
components
IDCOL November 30,
2016 and
quarterly
thereafter
NEW
Access to Electricity Component
1. SHS Technical audit IDCOL July 1, 2013 December 2015 Final report submitted.
Actions based on report
findings are being
undertaken.
2. Six-monthly
monitoring report of
expired battery
collection of SHS
IDCOL June 30, 2012 Every six months IDCOL is collecting
reports through its
regional offices on
monthly basis and
sharing those in each OC
meeting.
3. Half-yearly
monitoring report on
working condition of
battery recycling
plant
IDCOL March 15,
2012
Every six months Reports are submitted.
4. Performance
validation and tariff
justification for mini-
grids and SIPs
IDCOL March 2017 NEW
5. Plan and approach for
introducing small SIP
IDCOL July 2016 and
regular
updates
December 2016 Proposals received and
under consideration.
6. Collection efficiency
improvement
IDCOL Ongoing Results awaited.
7. SHS loan portfolio
quality improvement
IDCOL Ongoing Improvements observed.
8. Scale up of SHS pre-
payment meters
IDCOL Early 2017
decision
Piloting with 13 POs in
one upazilla. underway.
Household Energy Component
1. Monitoring and
Evaluation of the
Biogas Program by
UPM GmbH
IDCOL June 2017 Work underway
Technical Assistance to Access to Electricity Component
1. SHS Testing
Laboratory equipment
procurement,
installation and
training
BUET Nov 2012 December 2016 Laboratory consultant to
begin work immediately
with documents ready by
Dec ’16 and training
soon thereafter.
All equipment is on site
awaiting renovation for
installation.
37
N Actions Responsibility Agreed Date Revised Date Status as of September
2016
2. 220 V DC Mini-grid
testing facility
IDCOL June 30, 2013 Revised report due by
Nov 30, 2016
December 2016
(Progress report)
AC lab operational.
Limited work on DC lab.
Draft report revisions
required.
3. Impact evaluation
baseline survey for all
except SHS
IDCOL June 30, 2013 June 2017 Inception Report
submitted.
4. Revision to SHS
specification and
inclusion of lumen
retention spec.
TSC and
BUET
June 30, 2016 COMPLETED.
5. DCOL Technical
Monitoring Facility
IDCOL September
2016
Remaining test
equipment delivered
by Dec 2016. Facility
operational by
Jan 31, 2017
Some equipment
delivered.
6. Solar Pump Testing
Plan and Proposal
IDCOL June 30, 2016
or sooner
To begin only after
satisfactory completion
of BUET and UIU labs
Efficient Lighting Component
1. Development of
national guideline for
safe disposal of CFLs
Power Cell June 15, 2012 December 30, 2016 Steering committee
meeting to be held in
Dec 2016
2. Follow-on actions on
the Cumulative
Environmental
Impact Assessment
(CEIA) at Siddhirganj
Power
Cell/DoE
December 15,
2016
Power Division to write
to DoE to request
monitoring of regulatory
compliance of various
industries