Washington D.C, 25 July 2022 (TDI): World Bank’s Yemen Emergency Electricity Access Project (YEEAP) is working to provide solar energy in urban and rural areas.
YEEAP is a five-year energy project for 2018-22.
Amid energy poverty in rural Yemen this @WBG_IDA project is improving access in households + engaging microfinance institutions + providing technical assistance to make the solar market in Yemen more inclusive & sustainable. Learn how #IDAworks: https://t.co/nFBCNOkUnN
— World Bank (@WorldBank) July 24, 2022
The World Bank project in Yemen encounters the energy sector. Ever since the Yemen crisis escalated in 2015, all sectors of life have been affected. The destruction did not leave the electricity sector and damaged it as well.
The electric grid that provided power before the outbreak of war either got destroyed, or the infrastructure got damaged. This resulted in a lack of energy provision to rural and pre-urban areas.
Beneficiaries
This project will be beneficial to the rural and urban populations. Mainly, the provision of energy-based resources and the availability of modern household energy would benefit the population the most.
The project is designed so that gender gaps can be eliminated. Women and young girls can benefit from the energy resources in daily life. The public sector, including schools, hospitals, and other facilities, would benefit most.
Challenges
The most significant challenge is restoring clean and renewable power at an affordable price for critical facilities. Providing access to this energy is the second most significant challenge for this project.
The people from rural and pre-urban areas need access to electricity in their homes and industries. The quality and affordability of solar products for households is a major barrier.
Approach
Increasing access to power in rural and pre-urban regions was the main goal of the Yemen Emergency Electricity Access Project (YEEAP).
YEEAP received funding and help from the International Development Association (IDA). In cooperation with local organizations, such as microfinance organizations, solar equipment suppliers, and technical service providers, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) carried out the project.
The second phase of the YEEAP aims to increase access to electricity in Yemen’s rural and pre-urban areas and make plans for rebuilding the nation’s power industry.
The Bank granted an additional US$100 million in June 2022. The grant will provide 3.5 million people with new or increased access to power, of which 1,680,000 are women and girls.
Additionally, it will offer new or improved energy services to about 700 public institutions and 100 schools. This will provide Yemenis with essential facilities for a better lifestyle.
