Mid-term evaluation of USAID project no. 518-0029 : alternative energy sources

Special evaluation covers 9/81-5/84 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with INE and A.I.D. officials. While progress has been slow, it appears the project is now at the take-off point. In late 1983, a new executive director reorganized INE, producing a more efficient, coordinated structure and a comprehensive, 2-year operational plan. Despite its youth, INE already possesses considerable planning and technical expertise and has gained credibility as an advisor on energy policy. INE personnel have been trained through overseas workshops and short-term courses (15 as of 3/84). Energy studies published by INE seem to be of high technical quality. During 1981/82, however, INE's relative inexperience obliged it to take a "go-slow" approach while gaining fiscal capacity and technical expertise. As a result of this and other factors - INE's extreme reluctance to spend project (especially loan) funds when other resources can be found; a national economic crisis; political disputes with the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy (since resolved); A.I.D. delays in approving expenditures; and frequent changes of the USAID/E project officer - most activities are 2-4 months behind. Solutions to these problems are being at least partially implemented. Energy technology transfer and information networking, the weakest component to date, is now being emphasized. A technology transfer group with a full-time director has been formed and will consolidate the many, but disparate, networking efforts already underway. Development of an information center remains a key need, however. Implementation of the alternative energy (microhydro, biomass, solar, and geothermal energy) and conservation components has not always been according to plan, but deviations from the project agreement appear sound. Significant work is being done. INE is still a small, politically weak organization, dependent for crucial data on other, stronger institutions. Support by the newly elected government will be of vital importance. Project extension for 1 year is recommended, with further extensions to be predicated on regular review findings.