J.1.11 IEE for Empower East and Central Africa (EECA).pdf

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

PURPOSE

This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is the required pre-implementation review for the Empower East and Central Africa (EECA) program which is designed to increase the availability of and access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and clean energy in East and Central Africa. The activity will cover all intervention points for energy development from training to business development to contributing to funding of specific energy infrastructure.

PROJECT/ACTIVITY DATA

Project/Activity Name: Empower East and Central Africa (EECA) Geographic Location(s) (Country/Region): East and Central Africa Amendment (Yes/No), if Yes indicate # (1, 2...): No Implementation Start/End Date (FY or M/D/Y): June 2023 - June 2028 If Amended, specify New End Date: N/A Solicitation/Contract/Award Number(s): TBD Implementing Partner(s): TBD Bureau Tracking ID: https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=57071 Tracking ID of Related RCE/IEE (if any): None Tracking ID of Other, Related Analyses: Power Africa East Africa Energy Project (EAEP) https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/53921.pdf

ORGANIZATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

Implementing Operating Unit(s):

(e.g., Mission or Bureau or Office)

Power Africa

Other Affected Operating Unit(s): N/A Lead BEO Bureau: AFR Bureau Funding Account(s) (if available): DA Prepared by: Power Africa Date Prepared: 1 August 2022

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REVIEW DATA

Analysis Type: ☒Environmental Examination ☐Deferral Environmental Determination(s): ☒Categorical Exclusion(s)

☒Negative ☒Positive ☐Deferred (per 22 CFR 216.3(a)(7)(iv) https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/53921.pdf

IEE Expiration Date (if applicable): 31 January 2029 Additional Analyses/Reporting Required: EMMP Climate Risks Identified (#): Low ___7___ Moderate ___6___ High ___0___ Climate Risks Addressed (#): Low ___7___ Moderate ___6___ High ___0___

THRESHOLD DETERMINATION AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

PROJECT/ACTIVITY SUMMARY

The purpose of the Empower East and Central Africa (EECA) program is to increase the availability of and access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and clean energy in East and Central Africa to reach measurable economic growth. The activity will support the accelerated connection of more homes, businesses, and institutions in the region to electricity and increase its productive use; reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector by supporting cleaner electricity generation delivered by the grid and accelerating distributed renewable energy; and, working in partnership with East and Central African governments, improve the enabling environment for energy sector investment and innovation. EECA focuses on four objectives and cross-cutting areas:

1. Ending Energy Poverty: EECA provides on-grid and off-grid improved, affordable, reliable energy to households and commercial/industrial facilities. This is to be achieved through grid densification, grid expansion, customer regularization, and scaled, distributed renewable energies (DRE) solutions such as construction and installation of metro-grids, mini-grids, and solar home systems.

2. Accelerating a Carbon-Free Future: Using a multi-pronged approach where the need to accommodate increased energy supply and consumption is continuously weighted against increases in greenhouse gas emissions, EECA aims to reduce the carbon emissions from the energy sector in East and Central Africa. In practice, this involves displacing demand for diesel gensets, kerosene, fuel wood and charcoal, and fossil fuel power plants to increase DRE and the share of renewable energy in generation mixes, reduce grid losses, and optimize grid power supplies within and across borders.

3. Bolstering Energy Sector Investment and Innovation: EECA addresses the need for increased investment in the energy sector/grids across the continent, primarily through the private sector, to improve electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and access.

Activities include facilitating an enabling supportive environment that is: (1) characterized by innovation, transparency, consistency, and aligned policies and regulations; and (2) supported by an empowered, educated, and diverse workforce, strong energy sector institutions, and sound financial structures and business models.

4. Cross-Cutting Areas: Across all objectives, EECA integrates institutional strengthening and technical capacity building, gender equity, environmental and community safety and health considerations, and energy sector-originated waste streams and waste byproducts management into activities.

EECA is promoting energy production systems and markets that are more financially, environmentally, and inclusively viable for East and Central Africa countries.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Fifty-one illustrative activities identified for EECA have been grouped into seven corresponding Intervention Categories (as mapped in Table 2). The threshold environmental determinations for about:blank about:blank about:blank about:blank the Intervention Categories are listed in Table 1 below. Upon approval of this document, the determinations become affirmed, per Agency regulations (22 CFR 216).

TABLE 1: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS BY INTERVENTION CATEGORY

Intervention Categories Threshold Determinations

1. Training - except hands-on Categorical Exclusion

2. Training - hands-on Negative Determination

3. Technical assistance for business processes Categorical Exclusion

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects Negative Determination

5. On-site field support Negative Determination

6. Direct support or funding for specific projects Negative Determination or

Positive Determination

7. End of project waste management Negative Determination

SUMMARY OF CONDITIONS

Screening: All interventions with a Negative Determination require use of a screening tool to evaluate potential environmental and social impacts and to develop specific mitigation measures to reduce any impacts below the level of significance. Interventions Categories 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 have Negative Determinations.

The IP shall develop a screening tool with the appropriate level of detail to adequately assess the potential environmental and social impacts of the interventions in the IPs approved work plan. The screening tool may be developed for site-specific interventions or for one or more categories of substantially similar interventions. The screening tool will be approved by the A/COR, Power Africa MEO, and the AFR BEO.

Construction Conditions: Projects planning to undertake construction activities have the following conditions for IEE approval:

1. NDwC for construction of new or rehabilitated facilities in which the total surface area disturbed is 1,000 m2 (10,000 sq ft) or less and there are no complicating factors, as defined:

No complicating factors. The site:

■ is not within 30m of a permanent or seasonal stream or water body,

■ will not involve displacement of existing settlement/inhabitants,

■ has an average slope of less than 5 percent

■ is not heavily forested or not in an otherwise undisturbed local ecosystem, and

■ is not in a protected area.

Sites violating one or more of these criteria are subject to additional determinations and conditions and will require the A/COR and MEO to jointly consult with the AFR BEO for next steps. No implementation is allowed until the AFR BEO conditions are fully met.

2. Construction sites bigger than 1,000 sq m (10,000 sq ft) or valued at more than $250,000 require the A/COR and MEO to jointly consult with the AFR BEO for next steps. No implementation is allowed until the AFR BEO conditions are fully met.

CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

Section 4.2 summarizes the methodology used and findings of the Climate Risk Management (CRM) Screening performed in accordance with ADS 201mal. In consultation with the Climate Integration Lead (CIL), the project design team considered the potential effect of climate risks/stressors on the sustainability of the project (changing precipitation patterns, rising temperature, floods, droughts, fires, landslides, etc.). See Annex 1 for the complete CRM table.

BEO SPECIFIED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

In addition to the conditions specified in Sections 5.1 and 5.2, the Africa Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO) has established the following conditions for IEE approval.

Reporting Conditions: The AFR BEO requests that the activity managers/AORs/CORs provide access to the Regional Environmental Advisor (REA) and to the AFR BEO Team to review (not approve) the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plans/Reports (EMMPs/EMMRs) that will be written to implement the findings of this IEE. These should be uploaded into the appropriate sub-folder(s) of this Google Drive folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ 1q7HGMzgopJ-MuKxkQEJ4GSPp9R7Qzv-5?usp=sharing

This will facilitate access by all parties who need these documents, including the Mission Environmental Officer and the AOR/COR. This will allow the REA and the BEO Team to spot-check and review these documents to confirm that the mitigations seem appropriate and are cognizant of the specific design of the activities.

IMPLEMENTATION

In accordance with 22 CFR 216 and Agency policy, the conditions and requirements of this document become mandatory upon approval. This includes the relevant limitations, conditions, and requirements in this document, as stated in Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the IEE and any BEO Specified Conditions of Approval.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1q7HGMzgopJ-MuKxkQEJ4GSPp9R7Qzv-5?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/

USAID APPROVAL OF INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

PROJECT/ACTIVITY NAME: Empower East and Central Africa (EECA)

Bureau Tracking ID: https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=57071

Approval: /s/ John Irons 10/12/2022

John Irons, Acting Power Africa Coordinator Date

Clearance: /s/ William Madara 09/12/2022

William Madara, COR Date

Clearance: /s/ Alexandra Hadzi-Vidanovic 09/07/2022

Alexandra Hadzi-Vidanovic, Acting Energy Office Director Date

Clearance: /s/ Nivann Govindasamy 09/20/2022

Nivann Govindasamy, Acting Mission Environmental Officer Date

Clearance: /s/ Lisa Witte 09/20/2022

Lisa Witte, Program Office Director Date

Clearance: /s/ Jyoti Kuvelker 09/27/2022

Jyoti Kuvelker, Attorney Advisor Date

Clearance: /s/ Chris Foley 09/28/2022

Chris Foley, Acting Deputy Coordinator Date

Clearance: /s/ David Kinyua 10/05/2022

David Kinyua, Regional Environmental Advisor, East Africa and Central Africa

Date

Clearance: /s/ Colin Quinn 10/12/2022

Colin Quinn, Climate Integration Lead Date

Concurrence: /s/ Brian Hirsch 12/13/2022

Brian Hirsch, AFR Bureau Environmental Officer Date

DISTRIBUTION:

https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=57071

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

CONTENTS

1.0 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION 9

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE IEE 9

1.2 PROJECT/ACTIVITY OVERVIEW 9

1.3 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION 9

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION 17

2.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT

(ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL, CLIMATE, SOCIAL, THREATENED AND

ENDANGERED SPECIES) 17

2.2 APPLICABLE AND APPROPRIATE PARTNER COUNTRY AND OTHER

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS (E.G. WHO), ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL

LAWS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS 19

2.3 COUNTRY/MINISTRY/MUNICIPALITY ENVIRONMENTAL CAPACITY

ANALYSIS (AS APPROPRIATE) 20

3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK 21

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 24

4.1 RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 24

4.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT 26

METHODOLOGY 28

RISK RATINGS AND DEFINED ACTIONS 28

5.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 29

5.1 CONDITIONS 29

5.2 AGENCY CONDITIONS 31

5.3 MITIGATION MEASURES 31

6.0 LIMITATIONS OF THIS INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION 37

7.0 REVISIONS 39

ATTACHMENTS: 39

Annex 1. Activity Climate Risk Management Summary Table 40 Annex 2: AFR Environmental Review Form/Environmental Review Report ERF/ERR Error!

Bookmark not defined.

1.0 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE IEE

The purpose of this document, in accordance with Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216 (22 CFR 216), is to provide a preliminary review of the reasonably foreseeable effects on the environment of the USAID intervention described herein and recommend determinations and, as appropriate, conditions, for these activities. Upon approval, these determinations become affirmed, and specified conditions become mandatory obligations of implementation. This IEE also documents the results of the Climate Risk Management process in accordance with Climate Risk Management process's results per USAID policy (specifically, ADS 201mal).

This IEE is a critical element of USAID’s mandatory environmental review and compliance process to achieve the environmentally sound design and implementation. Potential environmental impacts should be addressed through formal environmental mitigation and monitoring plans (EMMPs) and/or Environmental Assessments (EAs), if needed.

1.2 PROJECT/ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

The purpose of the Empower East and Central Africa (EECA) program is to increase the availability of and access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and clean energy in East and Central Africa to reach measurable economic growth and development outcomes, such as reducing poverty, improving livelihoods, and increasing inclusive access to electricity enabled services in such areas as health, education, and food security. The activity will support the accelerated connection of more homes, businesses, and institutions in the region to electricity and increase its productive use; reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector by supporting cleaner electricity generation delivered by the grid and accelerating distributed renewable energy (DRE);

support the transition of host government’s resource planning, leading to the adoption and integration of renewable energy sources and solutions to meet climate action commitments; crowd-in new technologies and innovations that scale access and impact; and increase access to private capital investment, including improved uptake of climate funds, while working in partnership with East and Central African governments to improve the enabling environment for energy sector investment and innovation.

1.3 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

Fifty-one illustrative activities identified for EECA have been grouped into seven corresponding Intervention Categories, as mapped in Table 2 below. The Intervention Categories include the following:

1) Training- excluding hands-on (3 illustrative activities)

2) Training - including hands-on (5 illustrative activity)

3) Technical assistance for business processes (5 illustrative activities)

4) Technical assistance for specific projects (29 illustrative activities)

5) On-site field support (7 illustrative activities)

6) Direct support or funding for specific projects (4 illustrative activities)

7) End of project waste management (1 illustrative activity) https://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/22cfr216 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/201mal

Refer to Tables 3, 4 and 5 for identified potential environmental impacts, recommended environmental determinations and mitigation measures for each Intervention Category.

TABLE 2: ILLUSTRATIVE ACTIVITIES AND INTERVENTION CATEGORIES

Illustrative Activities Intervention Category

Activity 1: Improved energy access for households

1.1. Direct support to densely populated communities /villages and mid-size public institutions for mini-grids development and construction. Direct support for any project that involves distributed generation and distribution of electricity via a mini-grid, for more densely populated communities/villages or medium-sized public institutions such as schools and clinics.

In all cases, mini-grids are solar + battery storage. In some cases, diesel generators are used as a secondary backup source but only used in exceptional cases when there is cloud cover for multiple days.

6. Direct support or funding for specific projects

1.2. Technical assistance and fundraising support to mini-grid and back-up energy systems sector Companies. Providing technical assistance and fundraising support to mini-grid developers. Demand-driven technical assistance provided to mini-grid developers will be for portfolio-wide operations, not specific sites. The intended outcome of the intervention will be the development of dozens of new mini-grids.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

1.3. Technical assistance to mini-grid energy investors to develop and implement new mini-grid financing facilities. Technical assistance to investors active in the mini-grid sector, including structuring of new mini-grid financing facilities. Demand-driven technical assistance provided to investors will be for portfolio-wide operations, not specific sites. The intended outcome of the intervention will be the development of dozens of new mini-grids.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

1.4. Develop actionable planning and regulatory frameworks to promote mini-grid markets expansion. Work with relevant agencies, ministries, and regulators to develop actionable planning and regulatory frameworks to promote the expansion of mini-grid markets. Demand-driven technical assistance provided to government institutions will be for portfolio-wide operations, not specific sites. The intended outcome of the intervention will be the development of dozens of new mini-grids.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

1.5. Technical assistance to Governmental entities and Utility companies to extend electricity transmission and distribution grids. Technical assistance to utilities or government to extend or densify transmission and distribution grids, including technical planning (modeling, GIS mapping, design support, potentially to ESIA support) or financial assessment and planning.

Support would involve hands-on training and capacity building at utility facilities, including both office and field sites (e.g., T&D lines or substations, control rooms). Support could potentially include limited pilot projects, but these would be limited to installation of digital technologies (such as meters or sensors or IT systems).

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

1.6. Technical assistance to utility/regulatory entities to support customer connection costs and improve commercial management processes to increase marginalized communities access to electricity. Technical assistance to support customer connection and commercial management processes to include pricing and subsidies for connection costs and opportunities for marginalized communities to access electricity. Support would focus mostly on training and capacity building undertaken remotely or at utility facilities (office environment) and include field visits (to observe or train on connection processes). Potentially, this could include funding for pilot activities that could result in installation of technologies like meters or ready boards on customer premises, which would be done by utility staff with USAID contractor oversight.

Support to utility/regulatory staff for financial analysis and regulatory framework updates (including to tariff levels), which would mostly entail capacity building and desk work (analysis/reports).

2. Training -hands-on

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

Illustrative Activities Intervention Category

Activity 2: Increased energy for social services

2.1. Direct support to community-based public institutions to access and build off-grid and back-up energy systems. Direct support for energy systems that provide reliable power for public institutions delivering social services such as schools and clinics. Power Africa's direct support will result in site-specific activity implementation (i.e., funding for construction, equipment and /or labor)

6. Direct support or funding for specific projects

2.2. Technical assistance and fundraising support to utilities and off-grid and back-up energy system delivery companies supporting community-based services. Providing technical assistance and fundraising support to companies delivering energy access that enables social services such as health and education. Demand-driven technical assistance provided to these companies will be for portfolio-wide operations, not specific sites. The intended outcome of the intervention will be grid extension and installation of off-grid and backup energy systems

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

2.3. Technical assistance to off-grid and back-up energy systems investors to establish new financing facilities focusing on social-energy development. Technical assistance to investors active at the energy-social development nexus, including structuring of new financing facilities.

Demand-driven technical assistance provided to investors will be for portfolio-wide operations, not specific sites. The intended outcome of the intervention will be the installation of hundreds of off-grid and backup energy systems.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

2.4. Provide Governmental Planning Agencies supporting social services delivery entities such as schools and clinics with support to develop and build off-Grid and back-up energy systems. Support governmental planning for increased energy access to schools, clinics, and other entities providing social services. Demand-driven technical assistance provided to government institutions will be for portfolio-wide operations, not specific sites. The intended outcome of the intervention will be the development of hundreds of off-grid and backup energy systems.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

Activity 3: Employment opportunities increased by improved business access to energy

3.1. Direct support to productive use of energy (PUE) based projects/ economic activities for off-grid grid energy systems access and construction. Direct support for productive use of energy (PUE) projects, entailing off-grid energy solutions for economic activities such as irrigation, grain milling, oil expelling, refrigeration, transport, and the operation of small businesses. Power Africa's direct support will result in site-specific activity implementation (i.e., funding for construction, equipment and /or labor).

6. Direct support or funding for specific projects

3.2. Technical assistance and fundraising support to PUE companies / cooperatives for off-grid energy systems development. Providing technical assistance and fundraising support to PUE companies/cooperatives. This includes off-grid energy companies, solar irrigation companies, off-grid appliance companies, agribusinesses, and agricultural cooperatives.

Demand-driven technical assistance provided to PUE companies will be for portfolio-wide operations, not specific sites. The intended outcome of the intervention will be the installation of hundreds of off-grid energy systems tied to economic activities.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

3.3. Technical assistance to PUE sector investors to establish new PUE financing facilities for off-grid Energy Systems development. Technical assistance to investors active in the PUE sector, including structuring of new PUE financing facilities. Demand-driven technical assistance provided to investors will be for portfolio-wide operations, not specific sites. The intended outcome of the intervention will be the installation of hundreds of off-grid energy systems tied to economic activities.

4. Technical assistance leading

3.4. Work with Government regulators and ministries to develop actionable planning and regulatory frameworks for PUE markets expansion. Work with relevant agencies, ministries, and regulators to develop actionable planning and regulatory frameworks to promote the expansion of PUE markets. Demand-driven technical assistance provided to government institutions will be for portfolio-wide operations, not specific sites, and therefore, will not meet the ADS303maw definition of construction. However, the intended outcome of the intervention will be the development of hundreds of new off-grid energy systems tied to economic activities.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

Activity 4: Improved energy access for marginalized populations

4.1. Direct support to marginalized communities to access and build standalone/solar home systems (SHS). Direct support for products or systems installed directly in the homes of off-grid households. SHS ranges in size but typically have 3 to 4 lights, a USB phone charging port, and can power appliances such as TVs and fans. Supply energy to households primarily in sparsely populated communities currently lacking access to electricity. In limited circumstances, this work may include solar lanterns as well. Power Africa's direct support will result in site-specific activities implementation (i.e., funding for construction, equipment and /or labor).

6. Direct support or funding for specific projects

4.2. Technical assistance and fundraising support to solar home system / SHS sector Companies. Providing technical assistance and fundraising support to solar home system companies. Demand-driven technical assistance provided to solar home systems will be for portfolio-wide operations, not specific sites The intended outcome of the intervention will be the installation of thousands of solar home systems.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

4.3. Technical assistance to solar home system/ SHS sector investors to establish new SHS financing facilities. Technical assistance to investors active in the SHS sector, including structuring of new SHS financing facilities. Demand-driven technical assistance provided to mini-grid developers will be for portfolio-wide operations, not specific sites. The intended outcome of the intervention will be the installation of thousands of solar home systems.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

4.4. Working with Government regulators and ministries to develop actionable planning and regulatory frameworks for SHS markets expansion. Work with relevant agencies, ministries, and regulators to develop actionable planning and regulatory frameworks to promote the expansion of SHS markets. Demand-driven technical assistance provided to government institutions will be for portfolio-wide operations, not specific sites. The intended outcome of the intervention will be the installation of thousands of solar home systems.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

Activity 5: Clean energy generation increased to reduce current and future carbon emissions

5.1. Clean Energy Generation due diligence and capacity assessment support to power plant projects (from off-grid to large-scale facilities). Due diligence and assessments on power projects, ranging from off-grid to large, utility-scale transaction facilities and involving desk study and field capacity support to facilities.

5. On-site field support

5.2. Impact assessment support to electric utilities on renewable energy diversification and integration into national grids. Conduct impact assessments and develop tools for tracking how utilities can better integrate variable renewable energy into national grids, including on-site evaluation of energy facilities; standards /tools development and on-site testing at energy facilities.

5. On-site field support

5.3. Technical assistance and training to power plant operators (including fossil fuel facilities) to improve adaptive operations management and increase electricity generation efficiency. Training and other technical assistance to power plant operators to improve flexibility or increase efficiency in generation facilities (including fossil fuel facilities) involving ancillary works at existing power plants. Training to be carried out remotely and on-site at utility facilities to include office environments and active generator sites.

2. Training -hands-on

5. On-site field support

5.4. Transaction advisory services (i.e., procurement, installation, commissioning, and O&M) support to private sector stakeholders, utilities, and beneficiaries of the energy production sector to increase clean energy production. Transaction advisory services to support private sector stakeholders and beneficiaries who will lead procurement, installation, commissioning, and operations and maintenance (O&M). Support would primarily focus on the procurement phase (especially advisory support for technical design, environmental/social assessment, financial analysis, legal review), leading to the development of new power plants.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

5.5. Technical assistance and training on hydrogen and renewable natural gas/biogas energy (gas/biomass) capacity assessment and production planning. Technical assistance related to production, capacity assessment, and planning of green hydrogen and renewable natural gas/biogas (including identification of inputs - biomass, organic waste, electricity and water, studies on facility construction)

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

Activity 6: National and regional planning for just clean energy transitions supported

6.1. Technical assistance to national and regional power pool member countries to analyze and benchmark the sector's needs and opportunities for high-technical synergies. Technical assistance to analyze and benchmark: (1) the power sector needs of both the region’s power pool member countries and the pool(s) as a whole; and (2) identify specific transmission and interconnection projects around which additional high‐impact technical assistance engagement could be tied. Involve desk review and capacity building activities with no on-site/ field training.

3. Technical assistance for business processes

6.2. Technical Assistance, capacity-building, and training to local and regional African government institutions on clean energy transition financing, regulations, and operations.

Capacity- building and training at the local and regional level within African government institutions. This will be based on assessments of needs and requests from African governments.

It includes but is not limited to model contract development and procurement regulation, energy storage, and transmission financing. Technical assistance and capacity building will include development of on-demand resources, virtual engagements, and/or workshops. Involve new power system plans development activities leading potentially to implementation (including power plants construction).

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

6.3. Long-term energy sector planning for the identification, development, and integration of reliable and quality renewable, utility-scale, alternative electricity services to carbon intensive fossil fuel-based generation. Long-term energy sector planning - such as integrated resource planning, the identification and development of renewable, utility-scale alternatives to carbon intensive, fossil fuel-based generation, and a strong focus on integrating renewable energy and improving the reliability and quality of electricity services. Where needed, provide targeted planning and modeling support to help unlock pockets of climate finance available to partner countries.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

6.4. Technical assistance and training to facilitate the retrenchment of utility staff and workers from non-renewable energy production power plants in general and the fossil fuel.

Technical assistance potentially leading to retrenchment of utility staff or workers in fossil fuel industries (especially coal). Involving hands-on learning and training in the alternative energy and /or economic sector – leading to technology demonstration pilot projects and learning.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

6.5. Technical assistance to facilitate the closure / decommissioning and remediation of fossil fuel generation facilities. Technical assistance or other support related to closure and remediation of fossil fuel generation facilities. Activities could support the decommissioning of fossil fuel production facilities. Support may result in assessing and defining remediation requirements with unlikely direct involvement in site remediation activities, per se, such as funding contractors performing or overseeing cleanup.

4. Technical assistance leading

6.6. Provide sub-Saharan Africa energy transitioning communities with Just Energy Community transitions best practices adaptation and transfer supports, including economic transition, job creation and workforce retraining. Best Practices on Just Energy Community Transitions - transfer best practices in energy job creation and retraining from the United States to coal communities adversely affected by the energy transition in sub-Saharan Africa. Foster discourse, identify concrete examples of successful community and economic transition, and create a compendium of case studies, best practices, and recommendations for coal communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Involve on-site, hands-on training activities for coal community members, such as solar/wind technician training.

2. Training -hands-on

Activity 7: Improved private sector delivery of energy goods and services

7.1. Develop and present energy services information packages to private-sector investors and financiers. Make introductions to private investors and financiers where interests align to improve energy goods and services delivery.

3. Technical assistance for business processes

7.2. Technical advisory assistance to promote the integration of sustainable project development principles and techniques into the energy generation facilities practices.

Provide technical advice to electricity generation facilities to promote sustainable project development practices. Interventions can include but aren't limited to identifying investors, covering legal costs, carrying out analysis to assist negotiations, or conducting environmental impact assessments. The end results will be specific electrification projects.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

7.3. Provide business model refinement support (including development and testing) to energy sector investors. Involve technical assistance activities aimed at informing business model refinement, including development and testing.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

Activity 8: Strengthened enabling environment for the energy sector

8.1. Provide embedded financial advisory support to Finance/ Energy Ministries to reduce debt and increase financial sustainability of power sectors. Funding to support an embedded advisor(s) at Finance or Energy Ministries to strengthen their ability to manage public finances effectively, safeguard their financial sectors, and reduce power sector debt to increase financial sustainability of power sectors

3. Technical assistance for business processes

8.2. Provide regulatory and legal electrification and digitalization (Fintech, e.g.)

frameworks management support to energy sector investors. Support mechanisms to navigate legal and regulatory frameworks for electrification and integrating digital services into the sector’s fiscal management practices - including fintech services.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

8.3. Technical assistance to facilitate energy sector regulatory and policy systems modernization and incentivize / increase private sector participation. Enabling environment support - modernize energy regulatory and policy systems to enable the deployment of renewable energy, including enabling technologies such as battery storage, smart grid, and grid services, with the intent to reduce costs, enhance predictability, and provide incentives for private sector participation. This involves deploying advisors to government agencies/ministries to help craft policy changes that will grow the renewable sector, such as development of Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs), variable renewable energy studies, design of tenders, tax incentives, feed-in tariffs, and national strategies. Hands-on learning and training government officials on modeling software are expected.

2. Training -hands-on

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

8.4. Institutional capacity building support to government officials on the legal frameworks and regulatory requirements enabling the sector 's development in their countries. Provide commercial/legal training to government officials working in the energy sector and that are directly involved in the legal and regulatory requirements governing the energy sectors in their countries.

1. Training -except hands-on

8.5. Institutional capacity building support to facilitate gender workforce development and gender equity integration in the energy sector. Supporti gender workforce development programs and institutional capacity building for the integration of gender equity practices into the energy sector.

1. Training -except hands-on

Activity 9: Increased investment in and utilization of advanced energy technologies

9.1. Financial risk management advisory support to attract private sector investments in advanced energy technologies. Identify innovative finance mechanisms to attract private sector interest and de-risk investments in advanced energy technologies. This involves funding for the implementation of advanced energy technologies.

4. Technical assistance leading

9.2. Financial and technical advisory support to pilot energy programs promoting emerging technologies. Provide technical assistance and financial support for pilot programs for emerging technologies including digital technologies, battery storage systems, grid technologies (e.g., sensors, control equipment, metering technology), electric vehicle charging systems, etc.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

Activity 10: A socially inclusive and environmentally responsible energy sector encouraged

10.1. Environmental health and safety (EHS) capacity building support to monitor EHS requirements implementation. Monitor energy production facilities for quality and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) compliance - a cross-cutting applicable to activities in IR.3 and beyond. This involves training government and third-party engineers to conduct quality control and environmental health and safety reviews of energy installations in their countries.

5. On-site field support

10.2. Quality Assurance/ Quality Control (QA/QC) capacity building to assess energy facilities operational readiness and carry out subsequent ongoing O&M inspections. Inspect energy systems for final operational compliance and environmental, health, and safety compliance in both Power Africa (PA) and non-PA supported projects and, thus, entail broader inspection capacity building expertise.

5. On-site field support

10.3. Technical Assistance and Capacity Building to effectively manage the wastes and waste byproducts generated through the electricity sourcing, production, and operation systems. Ensure proper handling, storage, processing, and final disposal of batteries, solar panels, and other associated electricity sourcing, producing, and operational wastes and waste byproducts generated through activities implementation.

7. End of project waste management

10.4. Technical and financial capacity building support to electricity generation facilities / partners to identify locally adaptable and sustainable financing mechanisms to offset their ongoing O&M costs. Provide technical advisory support to project partners to explore and apply locally suitable financial models that could provide a steady revenue stream, allowing the electricity generation facilities to effectively meet the O&M requirements and guaranteeing the optimum operations of their facilities. Focus on site-specific activities, as well as structural tasks aimed at mainstreaming O&M practices into the facilities’ operational practices.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

Activity 11: Crosscutting - Strengthened and expanded grids delivering more power to end users

11.1. Create country-level-owned O&M grid sustainability fund to support ongoing electricity generation facilities O&M costs. Create a country-level-owned O&M Grid Sustainability Fund (GSF) with funds earmarked for ongoing O&M costs, including necessary equipment replacement and /or upgrading.

5. On-site field support

11.2. Technical assistance to integrate program performance monitoring indicators into the electricity generation market practices, including PV systems. Monitor indicators of program performance, including operation of PV systems and revenues from surplus power sales. This activity could involve both remote monitoring and site visits (e.g., to substations or power plants) to review information from meters on-site and support utility stakeholders undertaking any field capture of data.

5. On-site field support

11.3. Technical assistance to manage the O&M Grid Sustainability Fund capitalization process. Manage revenues from the power system that will go to capitalizing the O&M fund (GSF) without involvement in specific funds allocations.

3. Technical assistance for business processes

11.4. Technical assistance to promote the integration of technical and financial sustainability strategies into the electricity generation facilities practices. Develop strategies that promote financial sustainability, environmental sustainability, and technical sustainability.

(e.g., bundling equipment purchases to reduce cost.)

3. Technical assistance for business processes

11.5. Provide embedded advisory support to increase institutional capacity to manage electricity transmission projects. Provide embedded advisory support to increase institutional capacity to manage transmission projects. Focus on utilities and /or representatives of regional power pools and include activities ranging from contractor management to defining specifications to procurement processes to environmental/social assessment best practices.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

11.6. Technical assistance to reduce energy losses and improve network efficiency and reliability. Provide technical assistance to reduce losses, improved electricity networks / grids efficiency and reliability to strengthen and expand power delivery to end users.

4. Technical assistance leading to specific projects

11.7. Capacity building and training programs to develop electricity grid maintenance and performance expertise. Develop guidelines for capacity building and training programs that enable the appropriate expertise for grid maintenance and awareness about their inherent technical and operational limits at expanding and delivering power to end users.

1. Training -except hands-on

11.8. Capacity building and training programs to develop the electricity grid O&M standards. Develop standards for system O&M,involving hands-on training at substations and other facilities such as feeder lines, distribution transformers, etc., as well as training at utility facilities (offices and training workshops e.g.).

2. Training -hands-on

Will this project/activity involve construction1 as defined by ADS 201 and 303? Yes ☒ No ☐ Construction and ancillary construction associated with mini-grids and back-ups, off-grids, Standalone Home Solar (SHS), and advance technologies energy Systems. Construction and ancillary construction for productive use of energy (PUE) projects supporting economic development sectors such as irrigation, grain milling, oil expelling, refrigeration, transport, and the operation of small businesses.

1 Construction, as defined by ADS 201 and 303, includes: construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging and excavation) of buildings, structures, or other real property and includes, without limitation, improvements, renovation, alteration and refurbishment. The term includes, without limitation, roads, power plants, buildings, bridges, water treatment facilities, and vertical structures. In the box below, describe any construction planned for this project/activity. Refer to ADS 201maw for required Construction Risk Management procedures.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1865/201maw.pdf

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

2.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT (ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL,

CLIMATE, SOCIAL, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES)

EECA activities will focus on priority countries within the East and Central African Regions including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, South Sudan, and Sudan.

East Africa East Africa consists of Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

Environment

East Africa is endowed with a wealth of biodiversity and natural resources, including some of the most spectacular wildlife and ecosystems in the world. When managed well and equitably, these vast yet fragile lands contribute significantly to national and regional economies and improve the lives of local communities. The pressure of growing human populations, changing weather patterns, rampant wildlife poaching and trafficking across porous borders, and disjointed management of shared natural resources threatens East Africa’s conservation efforts. Habitats in East Africa cross political boundaries, thus, it is critical for nations to work together on the survival of wildlife and the habitats they depend on. A regional effort is needed to address national‐level problems that are exacerbating the decline in wildlife populations and habitat loss.

East Africa has grasslands in high rainfall areas dominated by trees and shrubs. Grassland biomes include Acacia Savannah Grasslands, Sudd flooded grasslands, Miobo woodlands and Ethiopian Montane Grasslands. Savannah grasslands cover over 60 percent of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti at various altitudes. Extensive grasslands are in the semi-arid zones and are important for wildlife and livestock production. The grasslands are important for livestock production, wildlife, and tourism. In Kenya, 60 percent of the livestock and 70 percent of all wildlife outside protected areas are found in these grasslands. They are home to large populations of large mammals including the African elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and many other ruminants.

Tropical forests serve as a source of cultural and economic wealth that can be realized through sustainable harvesting of timber and non-timber products, tourism and ecotourism, and carbon trading. The countries of East Africa have a combined forest cover of some 69.6 million hectares, which amounts to approximately 17 percent of its total land area. The extent of actual forest coverage is approximate as up-to-date data are limited and often outdated. Tropical evergreen forests represent around 6 percent of the terrestrial surface in Eastern Africa, found mainly in the highland/montane forest belt of the Eastern Congo, Rwanda and Burundi, and Eastern Tanzania.

These and the other montane forests of Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania, covering approximately 11 million hectares, are the most threatened by human settlement and agricultural expansion. The coastal forest of East Africa extends from small patches of coastal (riverine) forest along the Jubba and Shebelle Rivers in southern Somalia, south through Kenya, where it occurs in a relatively narrow coastal strip of about 40 kilometers in width, except along the Tana River, where it extends about 120 km inland. The hotspot stretches farther south into Tanzania (where some outlying forest patches occur about 300 km inland) and along nearly the entire coast of Mozambique. With approximately 4,000 plant species (1,750 endemic), 198 mammals (11 endemic), and 12 species of threatened endemic fauna (2 bird species, 6 mammals, and 4 amphibians), East Africa’s coastal forest offers an array of vegetation and wildlife. The hotspot consists of both moist and dry forests, coastal thicket, savanna woodlands, swamps (seasonal and permanent), and mangrove.

Population

The region is home to approximately 300 million people and with a growth rate of 2.5 percent per annum, the population is expected to double every 30 years. The change in population density shows the major population growth in transboundary areas, particularly around Lake Victoria in Kenya and Uganda and along the Rwanda/Burundi border.

Economy

In 2016, the population growth rate for East Africa reached 6.6 percent, which makes it the fastest-growing region in Africa. According to a recent African Development Bank report, East African nations are projected to show an average economic growth of 4.9 percent, up from 0.4 percent posted in 2020. This is driven by sustained public spending on infrastructure, improved agricultural sector performance, a shift towards a more service-oriented economy, and deepening regional economic integration. Potential dampening of this outlook includes the slow rollout of Covid-19 vaccines and spikes in infections.

Central Africa

Central Africa consists of the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of the Congo.

Environment

Central Africa covers a large physical area ranging from desert conditions to the north in Chad to tropical rain forests and mountains in the equatorial region of The Congo. The entire region is roughly the same size as the United States, west of the Mississippi River. The Congo Basin spans six countries in the region. There are approximately 10,000 species of tropical plants in the Congo Basin, and 30 percent are unique to the region. The lush forests are inhabited by endangered wildlife, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, bonobos, and lowland and mountain gorillas.

Four hundred other species of mammals, 1,000 species of birds, and 700 species of fish can also be found here. There are 206 protected areas in the region, covering 799,000 square kilometers or

14.8 percent of the land. Most of Africa's remaining rainforests are found in the Congo River…