Renewable Energy

STARTER supported the continuing implementation of energy sector reforms in Ukraine, introducing systemic changes and favourable conditions for attracting investments in EE and RE in line with commitments in the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and the Energy Community Treaty.

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The project provided assistance to the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Protection, as well as other relevant stakeholders such as the EU Delegation in Ukraine.

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NIRAS carried out the following activities

• Support to the alignment and implementation of the EU acquis and relevant secondary legislation;
• Reform of the district heating sector including measures to stimulate and support investments in high-efficiency cogeneration;
• Assistance in improving the coordination of energy efficiency related parts in the framework of the Annex XXVII of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and the Energy Community legislation in Ukraine;
• Support to and enhancement of EU-Ukraine policy dialogue on EE, district heating and co-generation as well as cover EU communication and visibility measures at central level;
• Assistance to the implementation of the EE4U Programme and other EU-funded projects and programmes;
• Strengthening of the administrative and institutional capacity of the Ukrainian authorities on EE and RE.

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Achievements

• International conference on Social Housing
• Series of training sessions for 5 municipalities to complete their Local Energy Plans.
• Coordination Council Meeting between the Multi Donor Trust Fund (donors contributing to the EEF) and the Government of Ukraine
• Seminar - The importance of Homeowners Associations in large-scale thermal renovation of buildings
• Seminar - Role of Municipal Energy Planning and Energy Management in the Ukraine Green Transition

The Power Supply 4.0 project aimed to provide the regulatory, institutional, and technical foundations for Peruvian public utilities to increase EE and integrate RE into the energy mix. The project involved advising three public energy utilities in Peru on improving their legal framework, implementing pilot projects, and enhancing their strategic investment planning.

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NIRAS is delivering these outputs

NIRAS was contracted to advise selected public energy utilities on the detailed planning and implementation of pilot projects, developing concepts to scale these projects, and providing management advice.

The selected utilities (SEAL, ELOR and Hidrandina) embarked on the implementation of a total of 4 pilot projects aimed at introducing innovative technologies (including automation in grid operation, the introduction of smart electricity meters, and efficient street lighting. Additionally, concepts for scaling up these four pilot projects were developed.

The utilities received proposals that included EE or RE measures to be considered in future investment plans. These plans encompassed transmission grid planning (PIT 2021-2025) and distribution grid planning (PIDE 2023-2026). Furthermore, concepts for the introduction of RE new business models were developed including:

• A Business case for a PV Solar Plant "Cono Norte" - Distributed Generation (SEAL)
• A Business model to take advantage of roofed areas in educational institutions for the development of PV Solar Distributed Generation (SEAL)
• A Business Case Photovoltaic Solar Plant - Distributed Generation (ELOR)
• An Electromobility Business Case: Using Solar RE for Electric Motorcycle Charging (ELOR)
• An Electromobility Business Case: Implementation of public electric vehicle charging stations (HIDRANDINA)

NIRAS also contributed to knowledge management by developing methodological guides and organising regional technology roadshows and study visits.

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Achievement

• 3 public energy utilities in Peru and 3 public institutions supported to increase EE and integrate RE into the energy mix (including PV systems and e-mobility).
• 2 technology roadshows to Brazil and Colombia to capture and learn from international experiences and best practices in the context of the implementation of smart grids, new business models, organisational and regulatory changes.
• +10 online and presence courses as well as webinars on both RE and EE were delivered to staff from distribution companies as well as from public institutions.
• 18 monthly  newsletters on  technical issues of interest to energy utilities as well as on the project advancements.

The strategy and action plan aims to create an enabling environment for RE and energy storage development, accelerating the growth of the RE sector.

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NIRAS carried out the following activities

• Performed a comprehensive legal, regulatory, and institutional gap analysis of the energy sector concerning RE development. Outline necessary policy instruments to achieve RE targets and identify relevant implementing agencies.
• Assessed various contractual models and procurement methods. Evaluate at least two options for contractual arrangements and structuring.
• Established a robust financial and economic model framework for RE Projects.
• Analysed the value chain and associated costs of RE technologies, including required skills and job sizing throughout the project cycle.
• Evaluated the potential economic benefits of RE development and deployment, focusing on local investment and the creation of direct, indirect, and induced jobs.
• Formulated an inclusive National RE Strategy and a detailed National RE Roadmap.

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Achievements

• Initial assessments of wind and solar energy potential for large-scale power projects.
• Developed & implemented policy tools through the Ministry of Energy, Rural Energy Agency (REA), and the Energy and Water Regulatory Authority (EWURA) for small-scale RE projects.
• Targeted institutional support and financing mechanisms in off-grid and rural areas.
• Promoted the development and use of biogas technologies and energy-efficient cooking stoves.

The EU4Energy project aims to support BiH in reforming its energy sector. The project focuses on implementing and monitoring a new legislative framework, improving institution capacity building, and providing knowledge and technical assistance in effective energy sector management.

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NIRAS is delivering these outputs

• BiH energy and climate laws compliance tables to the relevant Energy Community Treaty and 3rd EU energy law package;
• Draft policy on energy and climate development with special focus on energy transition (Clean Energy for All Europeans);
• Developed principles and concepts of plan(s) for energy poverty suitable for BiH circumstances for different levels of BiH governance structure including Brcko District;
• Management model for effective EU energy legislation transposition and implementation, including procedures and responsibilities, data collection and reporting templates, operational guidelines for monitoring mechanisms;
• Report on supporting activities for BiH participation in the implementation of the European Hydrogen Strategy; development of principles and concepts of e-mobility suitable for BiH; and transition of thermal power sector toward a decarbonised economy by 2050;
• Report on investments needed for BiH energy sector transition implementation, including phasing out of the coal, under the EU Economic and Investment Plan (The Green Agenda for Western Balkans) and potential opportunities for green and circular businesses;
• Gap Analysis of the existing capacities of the institutions at all levels of government in BiH in regarding the EU energy acquis transposition and energy market requirements and tailored-made trainings to relevant institutions

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Achievements

• Mapping and collection of BiH energy and climate legislation in force
• Coordination with UNDP and GIZ assistance
• Various consultations in preparation for legislation drafting with ministries (incl. MOFTER)

Under the EU-ASEAN Green Initiative, NIRAS is supporting ASEAN’s transition to a more integrated and sustainable energy future. The goal is to strengthen the EU-ASEAN partnership and reduce environmental impacts, climate-related risks, and disaster risks in line with the European Green Deal.

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NIRAS is delivering these outputs

• Strengthen the institutional and individual capacity of the ASEAN bodies relevant to climate policy; coordinate contributions in the Green Deal and a strong link to the policy dialogue at regional and national level;
• Strengthen the capability of ASEAN and its member states to systematically work with forest management, biodiversity, food systems and agriculture etc.;
• Improve cooperation on energy transition with and within ASEAN and improve the capacities and awareness of the relevant ASEAN stakeholders in the energy transition.

Examples of some activities include:

• Support for the preparation of roadmaps, strategic plans and policies to facilitate energy transition, incl. on phasing out coal or energy subsidies, as well as for methane strategies (e.g. ASEAN Energy Outlook -AEO).
• Studies on supply and demand modelling, energy projection, and topics related to RE, EE, and smart grids such as employment impacts from just energy transition.
• Exchange of experiences and policy dialogue in particular on issues of regional nature, such as regulatory matters, interconnected power grids, market policy, and infrastructure.
• Support to EE and RE projects, e.g. through financing schemes, derisking and promotion of bankable projects or EE certification schemes.
• Private-sector cooperation through business match-making and broad-based partnerships.
• Youth and media involvement on energy awareness.

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Achievements

1st EU-ASEAN Technical Energy Workshop, bringing together senior representatives from ASEAN Member States and the EU to advance dialogue on regional power grid integration and energy market reform.