Hemispheric energy innovation contest announced

Donors offer up to $200,000 to finance multiple proposals for promoting energy efficiency and access to renewable energy in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Novel ideas for improving energy efficiency and expanding access to renewable energy in Latin American and Caribbean countries will receive up to $200,000 in financing through a contest jointly announced today by the Inter-American Development Bank, GVEP International, GTZ and the Korean Government.

The Energy Innovation Contest seeks to jump-start the development of novel solutions to the energy shortages afflicting the region, particularly in rural and low-income areas. It will award a total of between US$4 million and US$6 million over the next three years to multiple projects, with a maximum of $200,000 per proposal.

Over the next month, a regional marketing campaign based on the slogan “What’s your bright idea?” will urge individuals and organizations based in Latin American or Caribbean countries to submit proposals to the contest. Non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, companies, foundations, think tanks, universities or development agencies may apply singly, or in partnership with entities based outside the region. Proposals may be submitted in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.

The criteria for evaluation include degree of innovation, developmental impact (economic, social, environmental), scalability, replicability, financial sustainability, institutional capability and the quality of the proposal, implementation strategy and projected risks.

Proposals must be submitted by May 15, 2009, and the winners will be announced in August. Click on the links to the right for more information and an electronic application form.

GVEP International is a UK based NGO working to accelerate and improve access to energy among poor populations in developing countries. GVEP International supports innovation in the design and use of technologies or business models that have the potential to increase access to renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, or increase the productive use of energy.

The IDB is the largest source of financing for development for Latin America and the Caribbean. Through its Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Initiative (SECCI), the IDB supports renewable energy and energy efficiency, bio-fuel development, carbon finance, and adaptation to climate change.

The Korean Government actively supports Latin America and the Caribbean’s efforts towards improving energy access, efficiency, and producing renewable energy. To that end, Korea established the “Knowledge Partnership Korea Fund for Technology and Innovation” (KPKF) within the IDB.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH is an international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations that provides viable, forward looking solutions for political, economic, ecological and social development in a globalised world.