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A Project Preparation Grant (PPG) has been approved by the GEF Secretariat to prepare a Full-size Project Document (FSP) for submission under the GEF-4 RAF. In this context a Legal and Regulatory expert is required to assist in the preparation of the FSP, focusing on all components proposed in the PIF, and expected outcomes to be achieved, as outlined in the approved Project Identification Form (PIF).
The project proposed will support implementation of a grid-connected rooftop PV system by carrying out pilot projects for rooftop PV systems on commercial buildings on the main islands of the Seychelles (population of 85,000), and for overall power generation on selected smaller outer islands (total population less than 1,000). The potential for PV systems in the Seychelles is excellent, given that the country has high levels of solar radiation in light of the fact that the main islands are situated only 4 degrees south of the Equator. At the same time, the current cost of generating electricity is very high due to the archipelago’s isolated location and its reliance on imported heavy fuel. The immediate potential for other alternative renewable energies (such as hydro, wind or wave power) is more limited based on previous studies in the country. On the main islands, where the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) is the supplier of almost all electricity, there is a well-established grid system that can support the feeding of PV generated electricity into the grid, although a well-defined feed-in tariff system is not yet in place. Most importantly, the PUC is willing, for the first time, to support the sale of power back to the grid (due in part to the country’s desire for WTO accession, which requires it to "open up" its energy market). In addition, although there are only a handful of PV systems currently installed in the country to date, rising fuel costs have sparked interest among more isolated energy users, particularly those managing small or outer islands.
Objective
The first phase of the project is the subject of the Project Preparatory Grant (PPG) and will include the development and preparation of the GEF Project Document (ProDoc), which will contain all annexes as per the requirements of UNDP/GEF. The objective of this consultancy is to undertake and support the formulation process of the ProDoc in full consultation with the Seychelles Energy Commission and the Public Utilities Corporation, as well as other key stakeholders resulting in a final product of the UNDP/GEF Prodoc package:
- A UNDP/GEF Project Document, with all annexes including but not limited to an Incremental Cost Analysis, a Logical; Framework and draft Terms of References.
- A Request for CEO Endorsement including response to GEFSEC/STAP and Council Comments and a PPG Completion Form
- An annotated Total Budget and Work Plan
- Co-finance Commitment letters equal to the indicated figures in the PIF application.
The key outcome of this work is having Grid-connected Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems Project Scope and Strategy defined, and the GEF Full Proposal documentation prepared for approval, which entails the review and extraction of information from the following PPG activities:
- PPG Activity 1: Baseline data collection and assessment of the location, size, precise technology, and technical requirements for pilot PV projects to be implemented during the full project;
- PPG Activity 2: Analysis of the existing energy policies, legislation, regulation and market structures and conditions for PV systems in Seychelles;
- PPG Activity 3: Stakeholder Consultation and engagement (with Co-financing);
- PPG Activity 4: Project Costing, Risk Assessment and M & E Planning.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on behalf of the Governmnet of Seychelles seeks short-term technical services in support of the Grid-connected Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems Project of a LEGAL AND REGULATORY EXPERT to contribute to the preparation a UNDP/GEF Project Document.
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Scope of services
The overall purpose of the consultancy is the preparation of a UNDP/GEF compliant FSP, which will involve a detailed analysis and assessment of renewable energy initiatives and mechanisms by which the uptake of PV technology can be increased. In conducting the consultancy, the consultant is expected to:
- Work in a team spirit under the leadership of the Lead Consultant and other consultants.
- Participate fully in workshops organized in the PPG phase
- Review the legal and regulatory framework for electricity generation and distribution, including the existing PUC Act; changes necessary to allow for PV systems to feed-in to the grid including a suitable ‘Grid Code’.
- Develop ToR, with SEC, for an expert to determine different buy back mechanisms and select an appropriate feed-in tariff
- Assist the SEC in drafting a memorandum of understanding with the PUC for installation, testing, operation, maintenance, and monitoring of grid-connected PV systems
- Identify various aspects of legislation and regulation that will need to be addressed to allow PV and other RET to access the grid to be included the FSP.
- Assist the SEC in developing the ToR for the different legal and regulatory work to be carried out in the project phase
- Assist in preparing the final draft of the FSP and Request for CEO Endorsement by December 2011
Deliverables
The consultant shall be responsible for the preparation of the following deliverables in draft and final versions:
- Document presenting the review and recommendation for the legal and regulatory framework
- Draft proposal of a Grid code
- ToR for expert to elaborate Buy back mechanism
- Memorandum of understanding for installation of grid connected PV systems
- ToR for legal and regulatory work to be carried under the project
- Final FSP document submitted to GEF on time and schedule
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