Asia sustainable and alternative energy programme (ASTAE)

ASTAE was created in 1992 with a mandate to scale-up the use of renewable energy, to improve energy efficiency and increase access to energy to reduce poverty. ASTAE is operation-driven and its support can be characterized by three functions. The first one is: innovative investment delivery mechanisms, by supporting design, build-up, and piloting of new investment mechanisms; or by helping to introduce existing mechanisms and tailoring them to the specific context of a new host country. Recent examples of such mechanisms include developing on-lending guidelines for energy efficiency project, structuring on-lending funds for renewable energy development, or transferring business models between neighbouring countries. Innovative financing delivery mechanisms can also be characterized by the introduction of risk guarantees to leverage private sector financing. The second is: institutional and regulatory frameworks that provide the enabling environment for the successful scaling-up of investment projects. Improved institutions, policies, and better financial and regulatory frameworks help attract capital from international financial institutions, export credit agencies, and from the private sector. Recent work funded by ASTAE includes high-level policy dialogue and advisory support, the development of pricing policy and regulation to support access, and the design and implementation of standards to support energy efficiency. Lastly, the third function is: capacity building and knowledge sharing. As a result of its successful contributions to project and programme design and implementation, ASTAE is able to draw from a pool of expertise to provide just-in-time advice to leverage new project development in the region. Recent support included training seminars for officials and policymakers; south-south technical workshops; the development of knowledge products, technical guides, methodologies and atlases; dialogue facilitation with non-governmental organizations; and donor coordination.