Assessment of Options for Community Benefit Sharing for CASA-1000 (Completed)

Background and Objectives

Background

The Central Asian Republics have large energy resource potential relative to their domestic needs, while the neighboring South Asia Region, especially Pakistan, is facing severe electricity deficits. Central Asia-South Asia Regional Electricity Market is a concept for developing electricity trade among the countries of the two regions through a set of projects and investments. The first phase will enable a trade of about 1300 MW of electricity between Central Asia and South Asia, and is referred to as "CASA-1000". UN-Habitat was approached by the World Bank because of its extensive experience on National Solidarity Programme. UN-Habitat has the required expertise and experience covering the combination of community development, experience with research oriented activities and institutional support structure required for the project.

Objectives

The project is to identify and develop options including tentative costing for community benefit sharing programs applicable for the CASA-1000 and other similar power transmission lines in Afghanistan.

Activities

• • Number of communities identified along the proposed 562 km transmission line en-route Kunduz, Baghlan, Parwan, Kabul, Laghman and Nangarhar;
• • Assessment of: (i) existing gaps of off-grid power ascertained and (ii) where off-grid power options are unfeasible, other local development projects prioritized by community included as integral option for benefit sharing; and,
• • Model developed highlighting institutional framework, cost estimate and operations and maintenance requirements for: (a) off-grid electrification solutions suitable for the Afghan rural communities along the area of influence of CASA-1000; and, (b) other development projects.

Development Partners / Partners

Development Partners: World Bank