Overview
MISSION
The Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) is a global knowledge and technical assistance program administered by the World Bank. Its mission is to assist low- and middle-income countries to increase know-how and institutional capacity to achieve environmentally sustainable energy solutions for poverty reduction and economic growth.
FOCUS AREAS
To help ensure long-term energy security, countries are looking closely at renewable energy, efficiency practices and technologies, diversification of supply, and improved sector performance. ESMAP assists its clients to carry out energy assessments and develop strategies to enhance sector planning, regulation, and governance.
Energy Access
About 1.4 billion of the world’s people still lack access to electricity, and poor households spend US$20 billion a year on low-quality, fuel-based lighting. Respiratory diseases are widespread among the 2.7 billion people who still rely on biomass for cooking, with women and children hit the hardest. ESMAP supports initiatives to reduce energy poverty by expanding access to modern, safe, affordable and sustainable energy services. ESMAP’s energy access work covers electrification and household energy needs in rural areas and for the urban poor.
Climate Change
Climate change will directly affect energy resource endowments, infrastructure, and transportation, as well as energy demand. ESMAP assists client countries to integrate climate change mitigation and adaptation options into energy sector planning. ESMAP also supports the scale-up of renewable energy through resource assessments, strategy development, and policy and institutional development.
GOVERNANCE
A Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of international experts provides independent opinions to the CG about the purpose, strategic direction, and priorities of ESMAP. The TAG also provides advice and suggestions to the CG on current and emerging global issues in the energy sector that are likely to impact ESMAP’s client countries.
Judi Wakhungu