SOL-306-13-000034_-_RADP_NW_-_2FBO_-_Attachment_J.19_-_Powering_Agriculture_Grand_Challenge.pdf

- Mission Collaboration on the Powering Agriculture Energy Grand Challenge -

THE CHALLENGE: In June 2012, USAID and its partners launched Powering Agriculture: An Energy Grand Challenge for Development (PAEGC). This is the third in the series of Grand Challenges designed under the leadership of Administrator Shah, and is managed by the Energy Team within the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education, and Environment (E3) in Washington, DC. Similar to the other two Grand Challenges – Saving Lives at Birth (SavingLivesatBirth.net) and All Children Reading (AllChildrenReading.org) – Powering Agriculture (PoweringAg.org) is a global program that focuses technical and financial resources to solve a specific development problem.

Agricultural sectors in many low-income countries do not reach their full potential due to limited access to modern energy services. PAEGC is seeking solutions on how to increase clean energy access for smallholder farmers and associated value chains that maximizes increased agricultural productivity. Unfortunately, significant barriers exist that hinder the integration of clean energy technologies:

• In many locations, farmers and agribusinesses lack an awareness of clean energy technologies that might increase the productivity/profitability of their operations.

• Available technologies do not match the performance characteristics and/or price points required in emerging markets.

• These constraints are compounded by a lack of available credit for distributors of clean energy products and services who in turn cannot provide or direct customers to end user financing.

• Few examples exist of proven business models that can be replicated and/or adapted to link clean energy enterprises with farm communities and agribusinesses in relevant value chains.

THE APPROACH: To address these barriers, PAEGC provides assistance to support the development, marketing, deployment, and commercialization of clean energy solutions.

USAID/Washington currently has about over $20 million (USAID and partner funds) to support innovative approaches to clean energy generation, distribution, storage, and more efficient end-use technologies targeting the agricultural sector.

In its first round of funding, Powering Agriculture will offer awards of between $300,000 and $1,500,000 for projects that focus on one or more of the following areas: Clean Energy Demand Generation, Clean Energy Technology Innovation, and Clean Energy Business Model Development.

Visit www.PoweringAg.org to learn more about the Energy Grand Challenge!

Applications Accepted 1/15/13 – 2/6/13

Powering Agriculture Founding Partners

• USAID

• The Government of Sweden

• Duke Energy

• African Development Bank

• OPIC

• USDA

COLLABORATION WITH USAID MISSIONS: Throughout each stage of the program’s design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, PAEGC will benefit from close cooperation with interested USAID Missions. USAID Washington will utilize its core grand challenge funding to support top rated proposals submitted through the RFA and will manage these programs. In addition, Missions will be given the opportunity to directly fund and manage any proposals that are in the technically acceptable range. Missions could also transfer funds to USAID/Washington for award and management of appropriate proposals. Following are illustrative opportunities for interested Missions to collaborate with PAEGC.

Opportunities for Mission Collaboration in Powering Agriculture

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitor progress made of all proposals managed and report periodically to USAID/Washington

• Participate in the design and conduction implementation of local/regional qualitative evaluations

Implementation

• Missions will manage any proposals they fund

• If desired, Missions could manage country specific proposals funded by USAID/Washington

• Encourage collaboration with relevant Mission programs

Request for Proposals and

Proposal Submission

• Encourage potential applicants to develop and submit proposal

• Advertise PAEGC opportunities in local media, social media, etc.

• Facilitate local workshops/information sessions for potential applicants

Proposal Review / Selection

Designate representative(s) to:

• Participate in overall proposal review process; or

• Review country/regional-specific proposals that are in competitive range

Funding

• Missions may directly fund any proposal in the competitive range in their country/region

• Missions could transfer funds to USAID/Washington to fund projects in their country