Updates from March 2021
This month, USAID Clean Power Asia investment mobilization staff supported our renewable energy policy staff during the final Working Committee for the Laos solar pilot auction. Program staff prepared and delivered a presentation on the legal documents to be used during the auction, which include the Head of Agreement, Concession Agreement, and Power Purchase Agreement. The discussion addressed the purpose and timeline of each legal document followed by a summary of key terms and conditions.
How we mobilize finance and investment
Although renewable energy investments offer a range of promising new business opportunities, project developers have faced formidable financial and regulatory challenges. In the Lower Mekong region in particular, renewable energy projects receive less interest than traditional capital investments and barriers exist for banks and financial institutions to effectively engage and invest in renewable energy.
USAID supports financial institutions, developers, and other relevant stakeholders to secure and reduce the cost of finance for renewable energy projects by helping to develop innovative business models; promoting standardized documentation and evaluation practices and approval processes for financing renewable energy projects; and providing other advisory services. A broad range of models, strategic adoption of cost-efficient technologies, and comprehensive policies and regulations are key to structuring bankable projects that appeal to commercial developers. Renewable energy offers control of energy costs and margins, while tools and business models under development will improve the risk/reward profile of new projects.