Meeting Rural Customer Needs with Public and Private Sector Resources
Our experience has highlighted the fact that a lack of knowledge and understanding related to some critical issues has to date prevented the delivery of sustainable mini-grid solutions for remote communities. Market-based approaches and private sector buy-in are needed to ensure continuity, but the upfront risks justify public sector support. Based on experience, this session will consider how to provide lasting benefits for all those in the supply chain involved with mini-grids for rural customers; it will focus on three fundamental challenges:
- What form of energy access is most appropriate for people under these conditions?
- How can such people afford to pay the price of energy access?
- What are the barriers to private sector operation in these communities, and what incentives are required to overcome these?
Speaker:
Dean Cooper
Head - Core Energy Team
Practical Action Consulting
Dean Cooper is currently Lead, Energy at Practical Action (UK), advising on key areas of global energy development, including clean mini-grids. He was previously Global Energy Sector Co-ordinator with SNV, the Netherlands Development Organisation, and Chair of the global SEforAll Steering Committee for the Clean Energy Mini-Grids Partnership (now with 350+ members). He has worked closely with the public and private sectors, aiming to achieve practical results for clean energy access, particularly in developing countries.
Prior to SNV, Dean spent 7 years as Energy Finance Programme Manager with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Paris, focusing on how to scale-up investment for building sustainable clean energy technology markets. Before joining UNEP, Dean completed an MBA (distinction) and established the business Parallax-Sustainable Development Solutions in South Africa and the UK, managing global clean energy initiatives, including sustainable energy sources for remote communities. His prior experience included the Best Practice Programme of the national UK Energy Agency, followed by 4 years as Head of Co-operation with Developing Countries for the European Commission's Energy Directorate. He was then seconded to the Department of Minerals and Energy in South Africa to build EU/SA energy development co-operation, and transferred this work to Botswana for closer links with the Southern Africa Development Community. View LinkedIN page
Head - Core Energy Team
Practical Action Consulting
Dean Cooper is currently Lead, Energy at Practical Action (UK), advising on key areas of global energy development, including clean mini-grids. He was previously Global Energy Sector Co-ordinator with SNV, the Netherlands Development Organisation, and Chair of the global SEforAll Steering Committee for the Clean Energy Mini-Grids Partnership (now with 350+ members). He has worked closely with the public and private sectors, aiming to achieve practical results for clean energy access, particularly in developing countries.
Prior to SNV, Dean spent 7 years as Energy Finance Programme Manager with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Paris, focusing on how to scale-up investment for building sustainable clean energy technology markets. Before joining UNEP, Dean completed an MBA (distinction) and established the business Parallax-Sustainable Development Solutions in South Africa and the UK, managing global clean energy initiatives, including sustainable energy sources for remote communities. His prior experience included the Best Practice Programme of the national UK Energy Agency, followed by 4 years as Head of Co-operation with Developing Countries for the European Commission's Energy Directorate. He was then seconded to the Department of Minerals and Energy in South Africa to build EU/SA energy development co-operation, and transferred this work to Botswana for closer links with the Southern Africa Development Community. View LinkedIN page