featured accomplishments for the quarter · pakistan, and sri lanka focused on policies and...

US Agency for International Development

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South Asia Regional Quarterly Update – Jan to Mar 2012

FEATURED ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR THE QUARTER

RCL’S TRAINING ON THE ISO 17025 LABORATORY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM

USAID is assisting the Regional Centre for Lighting (RCL) in Colombo, Sri Lanka in developing South Asia’s

premier photometry laboratory. This laboratory was built to test, certify and promote quality lighting products

to help both promoters and users make informed choices. In order for its service offerings to be

internationally accepted, the RCL needs to be accredited and certified in IS 17025.

USAID’s SARI/Energy Program agreed to support the RCL by providing pre-assessment training. The objectives

of this training were to educate and make RCL’s staff aware of the procedures that must be followed to obtain

accreditation for the laboratory as per ISO/IEC 17025.

Yadav Measurements (YMPL), an internationally recognized Indian testing laboratory, was engaged to provide

a week-long (February 20-24, 2012), hands-on classroom training session to RCL staff in Colombo. They

received training and held discussions on the following topics:

� Essential requirements and advantages of NABL accreditation

� Procedures for obtaining accreditation of IEC /ISO 17025

� Basic requirements of ISO/IEC 17025

� Development and improvement of quality systems as per IEC17025:2005

� Calibration and testing instruments, IT systems and test methods

� Inter-laboratory comparison and proficiency testing program

� Good laboratory practice and maintenance of measurement traceability

� Measurement uncertainty and estimation methods.

The training was well received by all eight participants who came from RCL, National Engineering Research

and Development Centre, and Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority. The training also provided a roadmap to

help guide RCL to IEC/ISO 17025 accreditation.

TRAINING FOR RCL ON LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AT THE LIGHTING RESERCH CENTER, USA

As part of its ongoing commitment to the RCL, USAID supported two of the Centre’s senior staff to attend

training at the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (LRC/RPI) of Troy, New York on

putting its photometry laboratory into operation.

This training, which was held on March 5-16, 2012, helped the RCL Laboratory Manager to become familiar

with laboratory equipment. The two staff members who attended the training can now calibrate and use

photometric equipment for testing lamps, and are able to prepare the laboratory to obtain accreditation.

After the training, the RCL staff:


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� Had a basic understanding of photometry and colorimetry

� Had an understanding of the operational characteristics of the various technologies used in lighting

(i.e., lamps, ballasts, luminaires, and controls) and how these components interact in a lighting system

� Understood the basic concepts of lighting

� Were familiar with the various laboratory equipment used in photometry laboratories

� Will be able to calibrate the integrating sphere systems and measure lamps and luminaires according

to international standards

� Will be able to use the LabView software program to interface with laboratory equipment

� Had a good understanding of the procedures for acquiring NVLAP accreditation.

SUB-REGIONAL GRID REPORT

This study addressed issues related to advancing sub-regional grids in South Asia, with a focus on using energy

markets to improve their feasibility. For the SARI/Energy region, Indian electricity markets had several aspects

that are of interest to sub-regional grids, including the day-ahead market, the term-market, and the nascent

renewable energy certificates markets. The report highlights such topics of interest as: policies and regulation

that cover project scope, reliability criteria, cost allocation, market-based incentives, and ease of

implementation, and commercial issues such as cost recovery certainty to investors and security mechanisms.

The report covered the following topics related to advancing the sub-regional grid:

� Practical insights on how sub-regional grids can take advantage of India’s burgeoning power

exchanges as off-takers.

� A high-level roadmap for policy makers to address common project issues, e.g., reliability, cost

allocation tariffs. The roadmap also covered the concept of “core working groups” for 1) policy, legal

and regulatory issues, and 2) energy trading/exchanges and markets, for example, and identified key

topics to be addressed.

� A multi-year agenda for two core working groups (policy and energy markets) to carry forward.

SARI/Energy engaged an international power markets specialist from PJM Interconnection (USA) to conduct

this study. This specialist is expert in linking power markets to cross-border or regional power

interconnections and addressing policy and regulatory issues facing advanced sub-regional electricity

transmission projects. He worked with the India Energy Exchange (IEX) to develop a framework for sub-

regional cross-border exchanges addressing current issues faced by the region’s nascent transmission

operators.

In developing the high-level policy road map for the phased development of cross-border electricity trade, the

specialist sought the counsel of Mr. Bhanu Bhushan, a former member of India’s Central Electricity Regulatory

Commission, who is very familiar with how, when and what load flows within the South Asia region.


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DEVELOPER’S GUIDEBOOK

The benefits of regional energy trade through sub-regional electricity links in South Asia are now better

understood and accepted by energy planners, policy makers and politicians. SARI/Energy recognized that what

is needed now is more bilateral or sub-regional energy trading projects around strong project fundamentals

that allow stakeholders to build confidence. While South Asia regional energy markets have not yet been

realized, SARI/Energy understands that this is a complex undertaking whose success will be built one bilateral

infrastructure project at a time.

As a result, the project developed a guidebook that evaluates sub-regional grids and the role of energy

markets for moving forward on cross-border trading. It includes an overview of the relevance and longer-term

role of SARI/Energy in facilitating cross-border trading of electricity.

CROSS-BORDER WORKSHOP IN DELHI

Under the SARI/Energy Transmission Partnership, the U.S. Energy Association and Confederation of Indian

Industry (CII) co-hosted a conference of 145 delegates from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal,

Pakistan, and Sri Lanka focused on policies and regulations that support successful cross-border electricity

exchanges.

This conference provided a platform for senior-level South Asian power officials to hold policy dialogues on

cross-border exchanges between Bhutan-India, Nepal-India, Sri Lanka-India, Pakistan-Afghanistan,

Afghanistan-Central Asia, and other countries considering cross-border exchanges. Senior decision makers met

with their counterparts to discuss "next steps" in proposed cross-border electricity exchange projects.

Delegates identified hurdles facing the progression of the cross-border projects and jointly strategized on

ways to overcome the barriers. Also, through exposure to other cross-border projects from outside the region,

electricity executives and decision makers were encouraged by the benefits of cross-border trade through

exposure to functioning and successful regional power exchanges.


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Key discussions of the conference included:

� Identifying policy and regulatory barriers to cross-border energy sector investment and

implementation, and potential solutions

� Improving the understanding of each South Asian country's current needs and interests in cross-

border trade

� Expanding discussions on cross-border electricity exchanges between the South Asian countries

� Enhancing economic, technical and policy skills of the delegates required to design and manage

sustainable regulatory systems for cross-border trade

� Identifying "next steps" in proposed cross-border electricity exchange projects, as well as identifying

hurdles facing the progression of the cross-border projects and jointly strategizing on ways to

overcome the barriers

� Participants’ assessment of cross-border electricity exchange policies, procedures, organizational

structures and best practices from other regions for potential application to South Asia.

The conference, held from February 15 – 17, 2012 in New Delhi, India, afforded the executives the opportunity to discuss

existing regulatory and policy barriers to cross border-trade and identify changes to be made to overcome these barriers.

Discussions included tariff structures, structuring and monitoring power exchanges, policies, procedures, organizational

structures, and other practices that impact cross border trade.

Opening Lighting Ceremony

From left to right: Government of India

Planning Commission Member Mr. B K

Chaturvedi; USAID/India Mission Director

Mr. William Hammink; Government of India

Ministry of Power Additional Secretary Mr.

Ashok Lavasa; Brookings Institution Director

of Energy Security Initiative & Senior Fellow

for Foreign Policy Dr. Charles Ebinger; and CII

National Committee on Power Member and

Country Strategy Business Consultants MD &

CEO Dr. Sudhir Kapur.


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SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM (SGP)

This quarter saw the completion of success stories on the

SGP projects, the SGP report for a general audience was

written (see right), and the program’s financials were

reconciled.

From 2008 to 2011, 37 grants were awarded to entities

selected through a rigorous evaluation process. These

grants were in the range of USD 15,000 to USD 30,000, with

grantees providing almost equal amounts for the projects’

completion. These grants assisted the small-scale, self-help

endeavours of qualified institutional, non-governmental and

community groups whose projects facilitated more efficient

regional energy resource utilization, worked towards

transparent and profitable energy practices, mitigated the

environmental impacts of energy production, and increased

regional access to energy.

Below left: Dr. Charles Ebinger, Director of Energy Security Initiative and Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy for the

Brookings Institution takes questions from the audience, following his keynote address on energy security in

South Asia. Below right: Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission member Dr. Salim Mahmud poses a

question to a panel of conference speakers.


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The composition of the grantees was largely non-government organizations (NGOs). Government or non-

government educational and research & development organizations were also given grants, as were industry

associations.

The projects implemented were of three types:

� Clean technology projects, including improved cook stoves, solar water pumps for agriculture, drip

irrigation systems, compact fluorescent lamps and light emitting diodes, hydraulic ram pumps, biogas

technologies, bio-briquette production, and solar-, biomass- and hydro-powered lighting systems.

� Renewable energy projects, including biogas plants, solar PV systems, biomass systems, and micro-hydro

plants for household electrification.

� Energy efficiency projects, including building envelope improvements, energy auditor certification,

creating awareness among students and government bodies, and efficient appliances.

Overall, the small grants benefitted almost 14,000 people directly and over 70,000 in all within the projects’

timeframes. As project activities continue, and as more people adopt the technologies and practices

advocated, the number of beneficiaries is expected to grow exponentially.

Understanding that women are often most directly affected by improvements in energy use – they are usually

the household member who gathers fuel wood and are most likely to experience the adverse health effects of

indoor cooking, for example – the program placed special emphasis on assisting this group. Approximately

27% of the Small Grants Program’s projects were exclusively targeted at women and these projects accounted

for over 50% of the direct beneficiaries.


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Women’s Institute for Sustainable Energy Research (WISER)

As per the sustainability plan of WISER, the Energy Management Centre (EMC) in Kerala, India has agreed to

run and manage WISER as a separate entity. Under the guidance of EMC with mentorship from USAID, WISER

will work to achieve its objectives of:

� Gender mainstreaming in policy and programs, and gender auditing

� Renewable energy technologies and green architecture

� Micro finance and income generation options using energy as a resource

� Capacity building, best practices, and information sharing to undertake any of the above three

activities.

EMC has also identified and designated a person to be responsible for the activities of WISER. An internal

candidate, Ms. Deepa Kumar, who has been working at the EMC as an energy technologist; she was

recognized as the best person to fulfill this role due to her continuous engagement with WISER’s activities

since its inception. Mr. K.M.D. Unnithan, Director of the Energy Management Centre, would provide the

necessary guidance and support.

SARI/Energy also helped WISER in setting up its laboratory and funded the procurement of equipment needed

for it. EMC is now operationalizing the laboratory on its own. EMC, along with Government of Kerala, are

working on to internalize the WISER vision and mandate, and have agreed to support the Center’s regional

(SAARC) focus.

USAID also continues to support WISER by providing and identifying opportunities for:

• Completion of the REC project


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• Training programs to utilize the existing laboratory equipment and

• Fund raising.

Upcoming and Recent Activities

South Asia Regional Workshop on the Regulatory Role of Promoting Cross-Border Energy Trade. As part of

the South Asia Regional Energy Partnership Program, SARI/Energy and the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory

Commission (BERC) will be hosting a two-day workshop on regulations and policies that support successful

cross-border electricity exchanges in late June 2012 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The workshop, which will be held

for delegates from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, will discuss current

regulatory practices that further cross-border electricity exchange, identify regulatory barriers to cross-border

trade, and posit solutions to overcome these barriers. This activity will provide a platform for regulators from

the South Asian countries to hold policy and regulatory dialogues on cross-border exchanges between Bhutan-

India, Nepal-India, Sri Lanka-India, Pakistan-Afghanistan and other countries. Decision makers will also meet

with their counterparts to discuss “next steps” in adapting regulations to better support cross-border

electricity exchange projects.

ABOUT SARI/ENERGY USAID’s SARI/Energy Program promotes energy security in South Asia through three activity areas:

1) Cross-border energy trade

2) Energy markets

3) Regional clean energy access.

Through these activities SARI/Energy facilitates more efficient regional energy resource utilization, works

towards transparent and profitable energy practices, mitigates the environmental impacts of energy

production, and increases regional access to energy.

SARI/Energy countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

The program’s implementing partners include Tetra Tech and the United States Energy Association (USEA).

SARI/Energy provides support to partners and stakeholders on pre-feasibility studies, technical assistance,

advisory services, training, peer exchanges, mapping and project development in each of the three core areas.


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SARI/Energy Daily News Roundup

USEA distributes a daily bulletin of energy-related news from the SARI/Energy countries, along with notices of

SARI/Energy activities and special events. The bulletin is distributed via email and includes web links to related

articles. To receive the South Asia Energy Daily Online News Roundup contact: [email protected]

SARI/Energy Web Page

For current information on SARI/Energy activities, please visit the web page: www.sari-energy.org.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Regional Program Director:

Mr. S. Padmanaban - [email protected]

Program Manager:

Mr. Amol Bhutad [email protected]

Regional Project Coordinator:

Ms. Mercy Thomas - [email protected]

Country Coordinators:

Afghanistan - Mr. Abdul Rasool Wardak - [email protected]

Bangladesh - Mr. A.K.D. Sher Mohammad Khan - [email protected]

Bhutan and India Mr. Anurag Mishra - [email protected]

Maldives - Ms. Priyanka Dissanayake - [email protected]

Nepal - Mr. Shankar Khagi - [email protected]

Pakistan - Mr. Syed Farrukh Hussain - [email protected]

Sri Lanka - Ms. Priyanka Dissanayake - [email protected]

Implementing Partners:

Tetra Tech - Mr. Amit Ramesh Dalal, Chief of Party [email protected]

U.S. Energy Association - Mr. John Hammond, Program Manager [email protected]

featured accomplishments for the quarter · pakistan, and sri lanka focused on policies and...

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