UNDP/GEF Project Document Development Consultant: Concentrated Solar Power Technology Transfer for Electricity Generation in Namibia Project

Concentrating solar power (CSP) is a commercially available solar energy technology that uses direct sunlight and mirrors to create high temperature steam to drive conventional steam turbines with or without storage. The “Concentrated Solar Power Technology Transfer for Electricity Generation in Namibia” (CSP TT NAM) project seeks to address the country’s dependency on one source of energy through the promotion of a diversified energy mix as specified in the project framework. The Global Environmental Facility (GEF), through the UNDP, is co-funding this project in partnership with the Government of Namibia.

 

The proposed project has the following Objective: To increase the share of renewable energies in the Namibian energy mix by developing the necessary technological framework and conditions for the successful transfer and deployment of CSP technology for on-grid power generation, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Firstly, this would be achieved through the establishment of the CSP technology industry, which would lead to technology partnership agreements between foreign providers and Namibian stakeholders in the private sector, government and academia. In turn, this would contribute to enhanced knowledge of applicable CSP applications in Namibia. Secondly, the development of market policy framework for CSP technology would lead to the approval of policies supportive of its application and a thriving CSP market in Namibia. Thirdly, the development of a business model and financing framework for CSP projects would lead to the provision of loans to such initiatives by financing institutions, and the subsequent increase of CSP installations in the country. Finally, a critical project component is the demonstration of an operating CSP pre-commercial plant, which would lead to improved confidence of the government and citizenry on the techno-economic viability of CSP and its subsequent replications. Overall, these goals are set against a background of rising electricity consumption and prices in Namibia and power deficit in South Africa, the country’s main supplier. The subsequent threat to the country’s economic growth, and the vulnerability to developments in South Africa, contrasts with Namibia’s sufficient solar resources and a demonstrated need for additional generating capacity. This need provides the entry point for the CSP TT NAM project (per the approved GEF Project Identification Form –PIF).

 

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. All procurement functions will be done in accordance with UNDP/GRN National Implementation (NIM) modalities and integrated result-based management. The objective of this consultancy is to undertake and support the formulation process of the CSP TT NAM Prodoc in full consultation with and participation of the MME, UNDP and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Institute (REEEI), as well as other key stakeholders resulting in a final product of the UNDP/GEF Prodoc package:

The key outcome of this work is having the CSP TT NAM 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:   Capacity building needs assessment (government, private sector) and recommendations for project capacity strengthening and awareness creation activities to build, operate and maintain CSP technologies;

PPG Activity 2:   Review of status and policy on renewable energy (market, fiscal and regulatory framework, grid technical standards for quality, reliability and safety), including a basic study to find opportunities and needs on CSP technologies and measures;

PPG Activity 3:   Identification and collaboration with CSP industry and commercial participants (CSP potential, risks, funding arrangements);

PPG Activity 4:   Preparation of an implementation plan for strengthening of the REEEI and the MME on CSP technology;

PPG Activity 5:   Stakeholder consultation and elaboration of documentation of full-sized project proposal (including Project Management).

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on behalf of the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) seeks short-term technical services in support of the CSP TT NAM Project: PROJECT DOCUMENT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT to Prepare a UNDP/GEF Project Document.

In approximately 8 weeks of work throughout the duration of the PPG process (approximately 12 months), the ProDoc Development Consultant will support the formulation process of the FSP, with the actual number days varying in accordance with on project needs. Specifically, the ProDoc Development Consultant will be entrusted with the following responsibilities (with various tasks expected to be done concurrently):

 

1)    Work jointly as part of a team lead by the ProDoc Specialist to undertake the formulation process of the UNDP/GEF Prodoc package, under the technical guidance of the UNDP Country Office/UNDP-GEF RTA, and in close collaboration with key national implementing partners (e.g. MME, REEEI);

2)    Undertake regular meetings and missions, and coordinate its work and inputs with those of the ProDoc Specialist, and other consultants and technical staff part of the project development team;

3)    Meet with relevant stakeholders, which will include key national implementing partners, government counterparts, the private sector, financial institutions, the donor community, civil society and academia, amongst other;

4)    Organize and conduct workshops with all relevant stakeholders, to build partnerships and collaboration and raise awareness for the preparation of the FSP

5)    Support the development of a Project Document meeting UNDP/GEF minimum requirements, and an accompanying GEF CEO Endorsement Request, both including all annexes and related deliverables using the appropriate templates, by 1 September 2011;

6)    Help accomplish key project drafting tasks under the guidance of UNDP-GEF and the UNDP Country Office (including final inputs and modifications to consultancy deliverables prior to, and following submission to GEF); working in close collaboration with key government officials, responsible parties and other national implementing partners, as well as donors, NGOs and the private sector;

7)    Assist the submission of an early draft to the UNDP Country Office, key national implementing partners (e.g. MME Directorate of Energy, Polytechnic of Namibia-REEEI) and UNDP/GEF technical staff at a date agreed on or before the inception workshop;

8)    Play a supporting role in the development of a work plan, ensuring all inputs, outputs and overall deliverables address national priorities;

9)    Help determining the scope and strategy of the project, as well as planning all project activities, ensuring that the CSP TT NAM initiative is widely promoted, publicized and awareness raised in Namibia;

10) Support the process of confirming the proposed co-funding and co-financing plan;

 

11) Undertake consultations with regards to the project proposal, proposed detailed budget, terms of reference (TORs) for key positions and consultants, and work plan, in line with GEF eligibility principles;

 

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