ESMAP’s Leaving No one Behind program will work towards the provision of safe, reliable, and affordable electricity for host-communities and displaced populations (DPs). Over the past years, the world experienced a dramatic increase in the number of displaced people. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), worldwide about 79.5 million people were displaced at the end of 2019. This is more than double compared to the numbers in 2011. Hosting more than 85 percent of refugees, developing nations are disproportionally affected and are carrying the overwhelming burden of this crisis. For example, in Lebanon 1 in 7 people is a refugee and in Jordan this ratio is 1 in 15. Especially for the electricity sector, large influxes of displaced people often threaten the sustainability of the local infrastructure installations. The degradation of energy services often sparks tension between FDPs and the local hosting communities. The situation is often worsened by the limited availability of up-to-date data giving the local decision makers and international partners an unreliable a picture of the situation on the ground.
ESMAP's Response
The program aims to increase the number of WBG operations and national electrification strategies where electricity access for the DPs, refugees and host communities are mainstreamed. This will be achieved through a combination of collaboration with humanitarian agencies and development organizations, knowledge generation and dissemination and technical- and financial assistance for project development. The program intends to position the WBG as a key player in responding to the development challenges of displaced people and host-communities, bridging the gaps that currently exist in addressing their electricity access challenges. How will we do this ?
- Supporting data collection to assess the electricity access needs and challenges of local populations.
- Developing adequate approaches and business models with utilities, mini grid and off-grid industries for the electrification of displaced people and host-communities.
- Integrating support for these communities/households into national electrification strategies, plans and World Bank programs.
- Helping client countries to make electrification efforts more inclusive.
- Publishing knowledge products to provide insight and share experiences with the international community.
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