Economic and Financial Justification of Rural Electrification Options – Vietnam (1999)

Client: Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) and the World Bank.

The World Bank has made $150 million available for the expansion of electricity services to rural Vietnam through the Rural Energy I project. The central Ministry of Electricity, Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), and the three regional rural utiliites (North, South and Central) require assistance in allocating investments cost effectively.

Working through a World Bank TA SGA developed a computerised investment analysis methodology to rapidly appraise and rank over 700 grid extension and rehabilitation projects throughout Vietnam. The assessment and programming also considered off-grid options such as hydro and diesel microgrids as well as solar and pico hydro home systems. Parallel work developed a load forecasting survey method and rapid analysis program incorporating concerns and issues for enhancing socio-economic development through the electrification. SGA provided full training and technology transfer to the three rural utilities and their affiliates.