TA 52079-001 REG: Floating Solar Energy Development

Central and West Asian countries are heavily reliant on either fossil fuels, hydropower, or imported fuels and power, which make them carbon-intensive, energy-insecure, and vulnerable to climate and external supply shocks. The proposed knowledge and support technical assistance (TA) aims to pilot test and build expertise on the emerging floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) technology to diversify the energy mix, increase energy security, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and the Kyrgyz Republic represent these critical vulnerabilities of Central and West Asian countries and are the targeted beneficiaries. The TA is aligned with the Energy Policy 2009; the energy sector group work plan, 2018–2019; and the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Strategy 2030 andWork Plan, 2016–2020. The TA outcome will contribute to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)target of providing at least $6 billion in climate financing annually from 2020. The countries requested the TA and agreed with the scope during reconnaissance missions in November 2017 and January 2018. All member countries concurred with the TA concept at the CAREC Energy Sector Coordinating Committee (ESCC) meeting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan in March 2018. The TA is not included in ADB’s country operations business plans and regional cooperation operations business plan.  The concept clearance was obtained on 6 June 2018.