Milestones

Albania Power Sector Law Adopted

The U.S. Agency for International Development provided assistance in drafting the Albania Power Sector Law, adopted by the Parliament on April 30, 2015. This law serves as the basis of the clean energy legal framework, which will ultimately require amendments to the existing Renewable Energy Law and Energy Efficiency Law. This law will help Albania meet its commitment of a 38 percent target for renewable energy (excluding large hydro) by 2020 and is also consistent with the country’s commitments to European Union’s Energy Community and Albania’s National Renewable Energy Action Plan.

Electricity Consumption Reduced in Albania by 600,000+ Megawatt-Hours

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) assisted the Albanian Distribution System Operator (DSO) in reducing commercial losses and electricity theft, which in turn reduced overall electricity demand in Albania. USAID provided advisory support to DSO management to help design an effective anti-theft campaign through enforcement of penalties and other sanctions. Through this program Albania achieved a savings of more than 600,000 megawatt-hours in domestic consumption in fiscal year 2015, leading to a greenhouse gas reduction of nearly 840,000 tons from the regional power grid.

More Than 1.5 million Tons of CO2 Equivalent Reduced or Sequestered from Forest Management Improvements in Bangladesh

The U.S. government’s Climate-Resilient Ecosystems and Livelihoods project helped bring forests and landscapes under co-management by the Government of Bangladesh and community constituents, thereby increasing sequestration of greenhouse gases. The project also resulted in effective co-management of new forest protected areas and the planting of additional trees in focus areas in addition to increased regeneration of forest in protected areas. In total, U.S. government engagement has eliminated more than 1.5 million tons of CO₂ equivalent from deforestation, forest degradation, and land use change over the past six years.

Cambodia- Prey Lang Landscape Placed under Legal Protection, which Will Avoid Over 1.8 Million Tons of Emissions

With U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) support, the Government of Cambodia placed the Prey Lang Landscape under legal protection. USAID worked with Cambodian government agencies to provide legal recognition that protects Cambodia’s remaining forests. Cambodia issued a sub-decree through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Forestry Administration aimed at decreasing: (a) the conversion of forests to other uses through the issuance of economic land concessions, and (b) frontier deforestation or forest degradation caused by encroachment in Prey Lang. It is estimated that full implementation of protected status for this newly protected area will result in between 1.8 to 3 million tons of CO₂ emissions avoided.

Colombia Launches Landmark National Carbon Neutrality Program

With technical assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Government of Colombia launched a landmark carbon neutrality program that established eligibility and procedures for offsetting the carbon tax with certified and verified investments in mitigation activities. USAID made key recommendations regarding the process and eligibility of carbon credit types, ensuring fungibility and tradability of credits, controlling transaction costs, and ensuring the nation's Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) projects would be eligible as carbon tax offsets. The carbon neutrality program, in combination with Colombia’s carbon tax (Tax Reform Law 1819), sets the stage for Colombia to shift $250–$300 million per year from the transport and energy sectors that use liquid fossil fuels to verified and certified mitigation projects.
 

Colombian Greenhouse Gas Inventory Improved for Agriculture, Forests, and Land Use

With U.S. government support, the Colombian government improved the quality of its greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and GHG inventory systems, in particular for the Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector. The AFOLU sector is by far the most significant source of GHG emissions in Colombia, responsible for 58% of national emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, through SilvaCarbon, provided support to Colombia’s environment ministry to finalize the GHG inventory for the Colombia Biennial Update Report, submitted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions Approved for the Habitat, Transport, and Industry Sectors in Colombia

The Colombian government in 2016 approved three Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) that by 2030 will reduce CO₂ emissions by over 13 million tons, further strengthening its Low Carbon Development Strategy. This includes reducing annual CO₂ emissions in the habitat, industry, and urban transport sectors by 21%, 5%, and 2% respectively compared to what they would have been under business as usual scenarios. To prioritize mitigation measures for each sector, estimate baselines, and quantify mitigation potential, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided training and analytical support to multiple Colombian government ministries.

Colombia Submitted Post-2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to UNFCCC

Under the framework of the Low Carbon Development Strategy process, Colombia crafted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to be presented to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The EC-LEDS program—through the Low Carbon Resilient Program—supported the technical process with specific studies to provide a range of possible greenhouse gas emission reduction goals in the agriculture, transport, and housing sectors. Those inputs were based on a bottom-up approach with the sectoral ministries that have approved Sectoral Mitigation Action Plans and are expected to feed into sectoral decision making of the INDC.

Colombian Policy Adopted to Identify Priority Areas for Energy Sector Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions

Colombia’s energy sector accounts for 30 percent of national emissions. In March 2014, Colombia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy adopted Resolution 90325, which outlines the policy priority areas for greenhouse gas emission reductions in the oil, gas, electricity, and mining sectors and mandates the Ministry to start working on an implementation strategy with a deadline of 8 months. The EC-LEDS program supported the development of the Sectoral Mitigation Action Plans that define the priority policy areas included in the resolution.

Eight Sectoral Mitigation Action Plans Finalized for Colombia

Sectoral Mitigation Action Plans (SMAPs) are key to identifying emission reduction opportunities in line with national development goals, and contributing to the short- and medium-term low carbon programs, policies, and actions included in the new Colombian National Development Plan 2014-2018. Six of the eight SMAPS were officially approved and signed in fiscal year 2014: transport, mines, energy, hydrocarbons, housing, and solid and water waste. The EC-LEDS program supported the Government of Colombia (via embedded consultants) to design the SMAPs.

Renewable Energy Law Enacted in Colombia

The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Law 1517, enacted in 2014, is a huge step in the transformation of Colombia’s institutional framework and the promotion of economic incentives needed to stimulate private sector investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The U.S. Agency for International Development's Colombia Clean Energy Program assisted in the development of this law through technical assistance to the Mining and Energy Planning Unit of the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

US$ 20 Million Mobilized for Transit-Oriented Development in Colombia

The EC-LEDS program partnered with Colombia to leverage US$ 20 million in international funding for Colombia’s Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) on transit-oriented development. The NAMA is being funded by the Germany-UK NAMA Facility and will be implemented by the Center for Clean Air Policy and Colombian Development Bank, FINDETER. Focused on mitigation action and finance at the national level and implementation at city level, this work will shift where public and private investments are made in order to increase environmental, economic, and social returns on Colombia’s transit and housing development. The EC-LEDS-sponsored Ministry of Transport consultant was the technical lead for the NAMA proposal.

Action Plan Enables Implementation of Costa Rica’s Cattle-Sector Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action

With support from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Government of Costa Rica achieved four of the five essential elements necessary to implement the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) for the cattle sector. Specifically, the U.S. government supported the development of a cattle-sector NAMA action plan at the national and regional levels, facilitated working sessions, and provided technical assistance to regional cattle associations that represent 70% of all cattle farmers in Costa Rica. The U.S. government also supported the Government of Costa Rica to develop a more accurate monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system than was previously used. This MRV system will allow the Government of Costa Rica to report substantial progress toward their international commitments, capturing significantly more emission reductions than was previously possible and potentially unlocking access to international finance. It will also connect banks with the cattle sector, increasing banks’ capacity to assess loan feasibility and further support the adoption of recommended livestock practices. Implementation of the NAMA and enhanced MRV systems will help the Costa Rica eliminate four million tons of CO₂ equivalent from the cattle sector by 2030. 

Costa Rica Develops Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action Concept for Cattle Sector

The Government of Costa Rica (GOCR) developed a Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) concept for the cattle sector, which is now proposed for funding by the GOCR. The NAMA has support across the GOCR and has the potential to catalyze low emission development in the sector during its anticipated 15-year implementation. In support of the NAMA concept, the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other local partners [including the Center for Tropical Agricultural Research and Education (CATIE)] developed a methodology for collecting the data necessary to estimate and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the dairy sector.

Ethiopia’s Environmental Policy Updated to Incorporate Nationally Determined Contribution policy framework operationalized through Ethiopia’s Environmental Policy

Ethiopia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) pledges to limit net emissions to 145 million tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2030. In support of this ambitious commitment, the U.S. Agency for International Developed (USAID) provided technical assistance to revise and update Ethiopia’s overarching policy for the environment and natural resource management. The update included incorporating Ethiopia’s NDC goals, which are based on the Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy. This provides a pathway to create domestic regulation on NDC implementation that will be enforceable in Ethiopian courts.

National Land-Use Plan Finalized in Gabon

The Government of Gabon completed and approved its National Land-Use Plan with extensive technical and legal support from a U.S. government-funded, low emission land-use technical advisor. The advisor analyzed the environmental, social, and economic context of land use in Gabon; conducted a legal and spatial review of land uses across ten sectors; and supported a spatial database. The National Land Use Plan will facilitate more accurate monitoring of emissions related to land use and will enable targeted mitigation actions to reduce deforestation in key sectors and areas.

Gabon Submitted Post-2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to UNFCCC

The EC-LEDS program supported several activities as part of Gabon’s Low Emission Development Strategy, which informed Gabon’s post-2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC). As part of the EC-LEDS program, the U.S. Forest Service worked with the Government of Gabon (GoG) to elaborate a baseline forest carbon inventory and also supported the national land-use planning process, which allowed the GoG to more effectively decide how to allocate land with minimal environmental and carbon impacts. Lastly, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory supported the GoG to conduct a cost benefit efficiency analysis of its energy sector and trained officials on how to use the information to most effectively make decisions to mitigate carbon emissions.

Gabon Adopts National Resource Inventory as the National System

Gabon completed a National Resource Inventory and adopted it as a national system in 2014. U.S. forest experts provided technical assistance to collect soil carbon data and establish a database to support the inventory. Robust forest carbon data helps to clarify the impact of economic development activities on forest carbon and land use in Gabon and will contribute to the development of a national land-use plan.

National LEDS and NDC Action Plan Finalized and Approved by the Government of Georgia

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supported the Government of Georgia in setting its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets by providing assistance to finalize low emission development strategies (LEDS) for the agriculture; land use; and forestry, industry, and waste sectors. The U.S. government support identified barriers in eight sectors, providing mitigation measures based on emission analysis, and developing recommendations on policies and programs for those sectors. The Georgian LEDS, which was accepted by the Government of Georgia’s inter-ministerial LEDS committee, covers emissions from energy; transport; industry; buildings; waste; land use, land-use change, and forestry; and agriculture. An earlier LEDS document covered energy-related emissions from four sectors, including energy, transport, industry, and buildings. The final LEDS will serve as the key instrument for the Government of Georgia in developing and finalizing its action plan to implement its Nationally Determined Contribution.

Ten Sustainable Energy Action Plans Approved in Georgia to Reduce 4.9 Million Tons of CO2 through 2030

The U.S. Agency for International Development provided assistance to three of Georgia’s municipalities—Bolnisi, Telavi, and Mtskheta—to develop and adopt Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs). This followed the successful adoption of seven other SEAPs for Kutaisi, Batumi, Zugdidi, Telavi, Tbilisi, Akhaltsikhe, and Gori municipalities in FY15. Together, these 10 SEAPS will reduce 4.9 million tons of CO₂ equivalent. The activities identified in the SEAPS, along with pilot projects and Georgia’s national low emission development strategy, will result in over 1.5 million tonnes of oil equivalent of lifetime energy savings from energy efficiency and energy conservation.

Georgia Plans to Monitor, Verify, and Report Greenhouse Gas Emission Results

The U.S. Agency for International Development assisted three municipalities in Georgia to write plans to monitor, verify, and report greenhouse gas emission results of actions identified in their sustainable energy action plans (SEAPs). The EC-LEDS program designed the MRV (measuring, reporting, and verification) methodology for the SEAPs to comply with the European Covenant of Mayors agreement.

Georgia Submitted Post-2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to UNFCCC

In 2015, through the EC-LEDS program, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) assisted the government of Georgia in determining baseline emissions scenarios against which commitments were made in order to meet emissions reductions targets. Based on these interventions at the national level as well as emissions reductions commitments at the municipal level, USAID and the German Development Agency, GIZ, helped Georgia’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection to determine the country’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC).

US$ 250 Million of Clean Energy Financing Enabled in Georgia

U.S. assistance in Georgia enabled its government to secure approximately US$ 250 million in project financing for the construction of 185 megawatts of new hydro capacity by means of non-recourse (project-based) debt from public and private sources. The U.S. government helped Georgia’s Ministry of Energy and the Georgian National Energy Regulatory Commission to secure this financing by supporting the Georgian Electricity Market Model (GEMM) 2015 . GEMM 2015 is establishing the investment framework—transparent regulations, trading tools and risk mitigation options—to enable Georgia to sell electricity into the local, Turkish, and regional electricity markets.

Sector-Wide Environmental Policy Developed to Prioritize a Low Emission Coffee Sector in Guatemala

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is working with the National Coffee Association (ANACAFE), an association of 120,000 coffee producers across Guatemala, to develop a sector-wide environmental policy for the coffee sector that will prioritize actions and technologies to reduce emissions, improve production through vulnerability reduction, and enhance the provision of ecosystem goods and services. Specific implementation actions include promoting best practices, such as improved and more-efficient fertilizer use, enhanced carbon sequestration through the use of shade trees in agroforestry systems, and more resource-efficient milling operations, all leading to reduced emissions. Co-benefits of the policy include increased competitiveness of the national coffee sector and continued access to international coffee markets that are now requiring carbon footprint information or greenhouse gas mitigation plans, and increased productivity through a reduction of production costs and an expected increase in yield.

800,000 Verified Carbon Units Generated by Guatecarbon REDD+ Project

With U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) support, Guatecarbon will generate 800,000 verified carbon units (VCUs) according to the Verified Carbon Standard and Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standard. Additionally, USAID support will propel the development of legal and administrative mechanisms that will allow for the sale of these VCUs. VCUs are the currency of the carbon market; therefore, this is a key step in allowing communities on the ground to access private-sector funding aimed at reducing emissions. Situated in the biologically significant Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatecarbon is the largest, most advanced REDD+ pilot in Guatemala and one of the first pilots in Central America.  It is also one of the few working examples of a sub-national, nested approach to REDD+.  Guatecarbon has developed in parallel to Guatemala's national REDD+ strategy, and is included within the national emissions reduction program's carbon accounting area. It is considered the country's flagship REDD+ project and has transferred lessons learned to the development of the emission reduction program.  The project area is approximately 721,006 hectares, including approximately 439,000 Forest Stewardship Council-certified hectares within the community concessions and has a reduction potential of approximately 55 million metric tonnes of CO₂e.  

National Greenhouse Gas Inventory System Established as Basis for More Reliable Data and Planning in Guatemala

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) helped Guatemala’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to develop the necessary analytical tools for long-term mitigation planning, including a national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory system. The system operates across five key sectors: agriculture, waste, energy, industry, and land use; land-use change; and forestry. Previous national GHG inventories relied on outdated data and inconsistent sources, thereby limiting their accuracy and usefulness for baselines and forecasts. The new system includes protocols that will be institutionalized across multiple government agencies.  This enables Guatemala to develop more consistent and up-to-date GHG inventories, generate precise sectoral baselines and emissions forecasts, and effectively measure and report on climate mitigation activities through biennial update reports and other reporting procedures to ensure compliance with international commitments.

Guatemala Submitted Post-2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to UNFCCC

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided substantial technical assistance and facilitation to the development of Guatemala’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) submission, in advance of COP 21 in Paris. The INDC process is closely linked to Guatemala’s LEDS development, through which USAID is helping to establish reliable analytics for greenhouse gas inventories, and strengthening government capacity to work with and monitor inventories. 

Indonesia Developed and Implemented Strategic Environmental Assessments for 11 Districts

Over the past 5 years, the U.S. Agency for International Development, through the Indonesia Forest and Climate Support Program (IFACS), has supported the development of 11 district-level Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) across five priority landscapes. These SEAs are required analyses that inform district-level development planning by identifying forested and biodiversity-rich lands within district boundaries that can be better managed and protected. Implementation of the SEAs has resulted in approximately 561,000 total hectares of tropical forests being set aside by districts for conservation. Overall, IFACS resulted in 4.4 million tons of carbon emissions avoided from deforestation and land-use change.

Indonesia Adopts Energy Tool for Integrated Energy Planning at the National Level

The adoption of the Long-Range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) model allows the Government of Indonesia to see, for the first time, current and projected energy sector performance and greenhouse gasemissions until 2020 by sector and energy type at the provincial, island, corridor, and national levels. This, in turn, will pave the way for translating national energy policy at the provincial level and tailoring interventions to improve the provinces’ energy performance. The LEAP model is now being used as a reference for national energy policy, and a model with provincial data sets is available for the provinces to use when developing their regional energy plans. The U.S. Agency for International Development's Indonesia Clean Energy Development program provided technical support to implement the LEAP model.

US$ 76.7 Million Mobilized for Clean Energy Assistance in Indonesia

In fiscal year 2014, U.S. government assistance mobilized US$ 76.7 million in public and private sector financing for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Indonesia.

Jamaica submitted Post-2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to UNFCCC

Jamaica submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which aims to reduce Jamaica’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 1.1 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent per year by 2030. This is a 7.8% reduction in emissions compared to business as usual. The U.S. government (USG) helped Jamaica conduct an in-depth technical assessment on previous GHG data to develop a new baseline inventory for the energy sector. The USG also completed a resource and policy review, supported the development of a business-as-usual projection, and provided feedback to the Jamaican government on its processes for GHG data collection and inventory to build Jamaica’s capacity for future analyses.

National Ecological Code Amended to Effectively Guide Kazakhstan’s Emissions Trading System implementation

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has supported over 100 amendments to the Ecological Code of Kazakhstan to address barriers to the effective functioning of the Kazakhstan Emission Trading System. The adoption of the proposed amendments will support the successful implementation of the current and subsequent National Allocation Plans, resulting in emissions reduction in excess of 2 million tons of CO₂ equivalent per year.

Kazakhstan Submitted Post-2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to UNFCCC

Taking into account that Kazakhstan’s national economy is projected to grow by 2%-4% per year over the next 10-15 years, the country's government (in 2014) communicated a preliminary target of keeping national emissions below 85% relative to 1990 by 2020. To further this goal, USAID's Kazakhstan Change and Mitigation Program (KCCMP) team formed a working group under the Ministry of Energy that helped develop Kazakhstan’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) for submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The KCCMP created baseline greenhouse gas projections up to 2020, which were shared for discussion with government and industry experts in preparation for INDC submission.

Kazakhstan Achieved 95 Percent Compliance with Emission Trading System

Kazakhstan’s Emission Trading Scheme (KazETS), the first of its kind in Asia, sets economy-wide caps on entities emitting more than 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) each year. The ETS covers about 77 percent of the country’s total CO₂ emissions and over half of all national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The U.S. Agency for International Development provided technical training on GHG reporting and management for over 50 companies; and technical assistance and training to improve the capacity of the audit and verification communities to help achieve 95 percent compliance.

National Greenhouse Gas Emission Registry Established in Kazakhstan

In 2014, the national organization Zhasyl Damu (ZD) was appointed as the national entity responsible for the registry, which will be used to support Kazakhstan’s new Emissions Trading System. The U.S. Agency for International Development's Kazakhstan Climate Change Mitigation Program (KCCMP) experts worked closely with the Ministry of Energy and ZD on improving the methodology of greenhouse (GHG) allowance allocation for existing, new, and expanded installations and for management of the carbon reserve. KCCMP also led workshops and training sessions for ZD on GHG benchmarking, carbon offsets, and GHG verification.

21,000 Rural Households Gain Access to Clean, Renewable Energy in Kenya

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has mobilized more than $1 million, using innovative solutions, such as the USAID Development Credit Authority, to provide loan guarantees to several savings and credit cooperative societies that have made finance available to over 21,000 rural households to access the national electricity grid and off-grid clean energy, including solar lighting equipment. As a result, household demand for diesel and kerosene will be lower thereby reducing associated emissions. Additional benefits include allowing children to study at night and reducing indoor pollution.

Kenya’s Community Land Bill enacted to advance low emission development strategy implementation

Kenya’s Community Land Bill of 2015 provides recognition, protection, and registration of community land rights; and community management and administration of land. During the bill’s drafting process, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided technical support through the International Development Law Organization to help improve and strengthen the bill. The bill empowers communities to sustainably manage the land themselves, which is expected to drastically reduce fires and degradation of forests and rangelands. This improved management will greatly enhance the capacity of these lands to sequester carbon dioxide and will help Kenya make progress toward its national climate goals. The land sector has been a major source of emissions in Kenya due to inadequately managed forest and grassland fires, and degradation caused by rampant overgrazing. These ecosystems have the potential to sequester greenhouse gases and act as carbon sink across more than 60% of Kenya’s land mass.

National Climate Change Bill Enacted in Kenya

The President of Kenya signed and enacted the country’s national Climate Change Bill. During the bill’s drafting process, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided key technical assistance through the International Development Law Organization. USAID also supported the Constitutional Implementation Council to review and strengthen the draft. The bill is expected to attract investment in low emission activities like renewable energy, waste management, energy efficiency in industrial development, climate smart agriculture, and forestry. Ultimately, it will help Kenya reduce emissions and meet its national climate goals.

Over $13 Million Mobilized in Kenya to Support Households’ Access to Renewable Energy and Grid Connection

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—through its Development Credit Authority—helped mobilize over $13 million for renewable energy in Kenya’s rural communities. USAID’s Financial Inclusion for Rural Microenterprises program in Kenya will provide loan guarantees to several savings and credit cooperative societies to increase rural communities’ access to power grids and clean energy, including solar lighting equipment. This will replace the use of diesel and kerosene, thereby reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions. Benefits include allowing children to study at night and reducing indoor pollution.

Kenya Submitted Post-2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to UNFCCC

The U.S. Agency for International Development's Low Emission and Climate Resilient project supported the consultation process of preparing the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC). The INDC has both mitigation and adaptation options including energy, forestry, dry-land forestry, agriculture, industry, and waste sectors. These sectors were selected via analysis carried out during the preparation of the National Climate Change Action Plan 2013-2017, the draft National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the ongoing preparation of the Second National Communication (SNC) report to be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Over 115 Megawatts of Renewable Energy Capacity Installed in Macedonia

By amending key energy legislation, including streamlining the renewable energy permit process, Macedonia experienced a tenfold increase in solar, wind, small hydropower, and other renewables installations, from 10.1 megawatts in 2012 to 115.4 megawatts installed by the end of 2015. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been supporting Macedonia since 2012 to advance the country’s renewable energy legal framework. USAID helped Macedonia amend several pieces of legislation to make it easier to invest in renewable energy. For example, one amendment reduces the time it takes to get a renewable energy permit from 36 months to 24 months.

Macedonia Adopted New Energy Efficiency Legal Framework

In fiscal year 2015, the Republic of Macedonia promoted energy efficiency by adopting new or amended bylaws at the national level. The U.S. Agency for International Development collaborated with the Ministry of Economy to develop the bylaws, which included rules for certifying energy auditors and establishing building efficiency rating procedures. The adopted legislation led to the certification of approximately 250 energy auditors and over 40 companies to perform energy audits, and established requirements for energy audits to be conducted in over 5,000 public buildings. The energy savings based on energy audit reports are expected to be a significant contributor to the national energy efficiency target of reducing end user energy consumption by 9 percent by 2018.

Malawi Finalizes a National Forest and Landscapes Restoration Assessment and Strategy, Prioritizing 4.5 Million Hectares for Restoration

With U.S. government support, Malawi’s National Forest and Landscape Restoration Assessment targets 1.5 million hectares for improved forest management and 3 million hectares for enhanced conservation, and it identifies specific places that would benefit the most from restoration activities. To guide the national implementation of this assessment and to mobilize the necessary investments from the public and private sectors, Malawi is developing a National Forest Landscape Restoration Strategy and Action Plan. The strategy and plan will articulate a “whole of government” effort to support integrated landscape management and expand communication and capacity building to enable Malawians to achieve National Forest landscape restoration. To advance implementation of the strategy and plan, the U.S. government is supporting a forest landscape restoration private sector investment assessment that directly builds on private sector engagement work previously conducted by U.S. government experts.

Malawi Implemented Key Components of National REDD+ Action Plan

The U.S. government supported Malawi’s efforts to complete a costing and options analysis for each major component of its national REDD+ Action Plan, including the development of a National Forest Monitoring System, the determination of a reference greenhouse gas emission level, the development of a safeguards information system, and the completion of Malawi’s first National Forest Inventory since 1992. By implementing the Action Plan, the Government of Malawi is expected to have in place a draft decadal-scale REDD+ Strategy by 2018 that details specific policies and measures to reduce deforestation and degradation at a national scale. Full implementation of this long-term strategy would result in projected emissions reductions to 2030 that exceed Malawi’s current total annual emissions of approximately 25 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent.

Malawi Sequestered 500,000+ Tons of Carbon-Dioxide Equivalent Through Reduced Deforestation and Degradation

With EC-LEDS program support, Malawi has reduced more than 500,000 tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) through: (1) ongoing emission reductions from a REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) project in Kulera; (2) new contributions in geographies currently supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development under the Protecting Ecosystems and Restoring Forests in Malawi program; and (3) ongoing diplomatic engagement that supports the enabling environment for these REDD+ projects.

Malawi Submitted Post-2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to UNFCCC

The U.S. government provided significant technical assistance to develop Malawi’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) including policy and data review, delineation of base period emissions, estimating the potential emission reductions from intended contributions, an INDC validation workshop shortly before submission, and a National INDC Kick-Off Workshop in mid-May 2015. The INDC reflected several activities receiving U.S. government support including Power Africa engagement, the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s energy sector investments, and U.S. Agency for International Development investments in REDD+, rural energy, and climate-smart agriculture.

National REDD+ Action Plan in Malawi Finalized and Formally Approved

In fiscal year 2015, the Malawi REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) Expert Group approved the National REDD+ Action Plan, which establishes a comprehensive framework for Malawi’s continued progress along the national-scale REDD+ readiness continuum. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) worked with the Government of Malawi to quantify the expected emission reductions over a 10- to 30-year time frame, a core component of the plan. Going forward, USAID will provide technical assistance for: 1) developing a long-term full REDD+ strategy that is expected to include specific targets on deforestation and forest cover; and 2) defining specific policies and measures to reduce deforestation at a national level. The strategy laid out in the REDD+ Action Plan has the potential to radically alter Malawi’s long-term greenhouse gas emission trajectory, while also leading to development benefits in other sectors.

Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Adopted for Distributed Solar Energy in Mexico

U.S. government support for Mexico’s Energy Regulation Commission informed critical design elements of a methodology to incentivize distributed generation in Mexico. A range of the design elements recommended by U.S. government experts were incorporated into the final version of the methodology, which was approved by the governing body of the commission and cleared through the public consultation process. The regulation was officially published on March 7, 2017. This work played a crucial role in clarifying and tangibly improving the value proposition of distributed generation to potential adopters in Mexico, and it represents a major step forward in helping the Government of Mexico achieve its goal of 527 megawatts of clean distributed generation capacity by 2018.

Mexico Energy Auctions Mobilized $8 Billion in Investment and Spurred 7.2 Gigawatts of New Renewable Energy Capacity

The U.S. government supported the Government of Mexico with the successful design and completion of Mexico’s first three electricity auctions, which will result in about 7.2 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and roughly $8 billion of investment, about $1 billion of which will come from U.S. firms. The auctions have led to successively lower prices, with the third auction, announced in November 2017, hitting record low solar prices of less than two cents per kilowatt-hour. The three auctions, coupled with future auctions in fiscal year 2018 and beyond, lay the groundwork to help Mexico meet its goal of 35 percent clean energy by 2024.

$6 Billion in Solar, Wind, and Geothermal Investments Mobilized in Mexico Energy Auctions

U.S. government support paved the way for the development of two major renewable energy auctions in Mexico. USAID worked closely with Mexico’s energy ministry, market operator, and major utility on the development and revision of the auction rules, vetting of the bidders, and the procurement of the software tool to run the auction. This support laid the groundwork for a successful first auction in March 2016, which attracted over $2 billion for new solar and wind installations. It is estimated these renewable energy installations will reduce over 35 million tons of CO₂ through 2030. The second clean energy auction attracted twice as much mobilized investment for an additional $4 billion in new solar, wind, and geothermal installations, which will reduce 54 million tons of CO₂ through 2030. Furthermore, Mexico’s auctions resulted in record low solar and wind prices for the region, with solar prices averaging $31.6 per megawatt-hour (MWh) and wind averaging $35.3 per MWh. Through the auction, Mexico will gain 14.3 terawatt-hours of new, clean electrical power.

More than One Million Tons of CO2 from Forestry and Land-use Activities Sequestered or Reduced in Mexico

The Government of Mexico submitted its final plan to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility's Carbon Fund. The plan outlines the program activities that are projected to reduce 2.1 million tons of CO₂ equivalent per year from deforestation. The Carbon Fund rewards success for emission reductions by paying for performance—purchasing each ton of avoided CO₂ emissions. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supported the necessary technical analysis to develop the plan and helped the government coordinate feedback from civil society. USAID estimates its support contributed to half of the 2.1 million tons of projected annual reductions in Yucatan, Campeche, and Chiapas states.

Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action Developed for Energy Efficiency Financing in Mexico

With support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Government of Mexico developed a Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) to finance off-the-shelf energy efficiency technologies, such as efficient lighting, air conditioners, refrigerators, and electric motors. As of the end of 2016, the NAMA had already assisted a total of 17,501 small and medium enterprises with energy-efficient equipment purchases. Through the NAMA, small and medium enterprises invested the equivalent of nearly $36 million USD, which resulted in savings of over $11 million USD and reduced electricity demand by 91.49 gigawatt hours per year. The technology replacement is expected to mitigate 543,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent over 10 years.

Moldova Renewable Energy Promotion Law Adopted

With targeted assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Moldovan Parliament in February 2016 adopted the Law on Promotion of Energy from Renewable Sources. This law advances progress toward Moldova’s binding target of 17% renewable energy consumption by 2020, which will result in CO₂ reductions of over 180,000 tons. To help Moldova's Ministry of Economy and National Agency for Energy Regulation develop this law, USAID drew from U.S. experience in promoting small-to-medium-scale renewable energy through net metering, bidding processes, and other policy mechanisms. Additionally, the National Agency for Energy Regulation is developing secondary legislation that will provide a legal framework for clean energy tendering procedures, feed-in-tariff methodologies, and grid connection and certification regulations, improving the environment for investment in clean energy.

Enhanced Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification Systems Implemented across Peru

With U.S. government support, the Peruvian Ministry of Environment (MINAM) has greatly improved its mapping and carbon accounting capabilities and has leveraged those capabilities to generate three key products that are essential to REDD+ implementation and international emissions reporting: forest dynamics maps, an early warning system for deforestation, and a national forest carbon assessment. Specifically, MINAM generated statistics on forest loss for 2016 only three months into 2017—an unprecedented accomplishment. Also, through U.S. government support, Peru is serving as a pilot country for generating early warnings on deforestation events at daily to weekly timeframes. These data are then shared with regional, local, and community groups for verification and intervention. Peru is currently implementing its National Forest Inventory and, with U.S. government support, is now capable of adding evolving information on forest carbon stocks to its data set to reduce uncertainty about its emissions estimates.

Transformational Land-Use Mapping Tool Launched and Use by the Government of Peru

With U.S. government technical support, Peru successfully launched its geospatial data infrastructure tool (Infraestructura de Datos Espaciales, or IDE). The IDE tool provides a comprehensive, integrated, and reliable database of land use and mapping information for natural resource management and land-use decision-making. The IDE tool is an open information system that provides up-to-date information on forest cover, indigenous territories, infrastructure, and other natural resources. Peru’s Forest Ministry along with the Amazon regional governments of Loreto and Ucayali will use the IDE to promote intra-institutional standardization of maps and information sharing for better forest monitoring and reduced deforestation. Using the same database will also facilitate a more transparent process to assign rights through the forest concession system and improve monitoring and oversight.

National Forest Law implemented through Forest and Wildlife Information System in Peru

The U.S. Agency for International Development is supporting Peru's Forestry Law and strengthening the country's Forestry and Wildlife Service through the development of a Control Module of the National Forest and Wildlife Information System. The production-ready system is an important milestone for improved transparency and timber chain of custody in Peru. The online tool will feature automated, real-time information to streamline and facilitate the timely detection of any crimes, track the chain of custody, and thus reduce illegal logging and illegal timber trade in Peru. The system utilizes all management documents of each concession and is able to better manage and track deforestation. Sixty percent of Peru's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) mitigation actions will take place within the forest sector. This system will support Peru's NDC goals by allowing better monitoring and tracking and verification of the forest sector on a real-time basis.

National Greenhouse Gas Inventory System Improved in Peru

The U.S. government (USG) helped Peru improve its national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, which was included in Peru’s Third National Communication submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in April 2016. Previously, the USG helped Peru develop the institutional mechanisms needed to implement low emission development strategies (LEDS) across government agencies and approve the INFOCARBONO law, which created a National GHG Inventory System. The USG supported improvements to the inventory including implementation of best practices for institutional arrangements and technical support in preparing and finalizing the GHG inventory for Peru’s Biennial UNFCCC Update Report, sector-specific GHG inventory improvements in the forest, environment, transport, energy and mines sectors.

Peru Developed Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action for Transport

Peru’s Transport Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) was jointly developed by the Peruvian Ministries of Environment and Transport, with support from the LEDS Global Partnership (GP), among others. Technical assistance included a series of workshops organized by the LEDS GP Transport working group and led by peer experts from Colombia and Mexico. The NAMA will reduce emissions by at least 5 million tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) from 2015-2025, resulting in less congestion and better access to public transportation.

Peru Established National Forest Authority and Institutional Framework

In fiscal year 2015, SERFOR, the new Forest and Wildlife Service, became the Peruvian national forest and wildlife authority, responsible for developing and prioritizing forest policies. The U.S. Agency for International Development collaborated with Peru’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in designing SERFOR, providing assistance in: forest concessions management; forest harvesting and extraction of timber and non-timber; and processing, transportation and export of wood and timber products, in order to develop the regulations of the forestry and wildlife law.  Improved forest management is an important element of Peru’s low emission development approach, including the identification of over 2 billion tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) in potential emission reductions over 35 years from improved forest management activities.

Peru Submitted Post-2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to UNFCCC

The U.S. government worked in partnership with the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) to strengthen the Peruvian Environment Ministry’s institutional capacity on climate change.  This collaboration included the Ministry’s efforts to engage stakeholders on Peru’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) on three levels: government ministries, private sector, and civil society.  It also included efforts to build support for domestic climate legislation that would provide the regulatory framework to support implementation of the INDC.

Nearly $500 Million in Private Sector Investments Mobilized to Support Clean Energy in the Philippines

Building on the $230 million leveraged since 2015 though the U.S. government -supported B-LEADERS clean energy portfolio, private clean energy developers invested an additional $267 million for solar photovoltaics, biomass, biogas, and hydropower plants in different locations in the Philippines in 2017, which exceeded initial targets by 27%. Investments in these projects were facilitated through the full deployment of the Energy Virtual One Shared System (EVOSS) and the optimal energy mix policy study. EVOSS is an online system developed with U.S. government assistance to increase transparency and streamline the business process for clean energy projects. The energy mix policy provides criteria for policymakers in determining the optimal energy mix for the Philippines, which considers energy security, grid stability, cost, environmental protection, and prospects for future development.

More Than 1.5 Million Metric Tons CO2 Equivalent Reduced, Avoided, or Sequestered from Philippine Forestlands

With assistance from USAID, the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources addressed deforestation, through the implementation of the LAWIN forest and biodiversity protection system, in high-value conservation areas threatened by deforestation and forest degradation. The activity also provided technical assistance to the national government’s programs related to reforestation, mangroves and beach forest development, and landscape restoration. The totality of these actions will reduce or sequester more than 1.5 million tons of CO₂ equivalent.

National Greenhouse Gas Inventories Improved in Philippines

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supported improvements in the quality of national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories in the Philippines, which will help the Philippines more accurately monitor and mitigate its emissions. These changes were documented and evidenced through an improved Inventory Project Progress Indicator assessment. Preparing a robust national GHG inventory will also help the country identify its GHG emission sources and removal sinks, as well as its growth trends to better inform programs for reducing emissions growth and developing Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions.

Philippines Exceeds Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff Target with Over 1100 Megawatts to be Added to National Power System

With U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) support, the Philippines’ Feed-in-Tariff system exceeded its targets for wind and solar applications, resulting in over 400 megawatts of wind project applications and 700 megawatts of solar project applications. U.S. government (USG) support that has laid the groundwork for such progress includes applying a Geospatial Toolkit, updating the Philippine Wind Energy Atlas, and conducting resource assessments of biomass feedstocks and hydro resources across the country.The USG also supported clean energy mentoring for private developers to enhance their business plans, secure innovative financing, and help the private sector comply with government permitting requirements.

Philippines Mobilized More Than $110 Million Private Sector Investments for Clean Energy

With assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID‘s) clean energy mentoring portfolio in the Philippines, private clean energy developers will invest more than $110 million dollars for solar photovoltaic and biomass power plants in the northern Luzon region. This vastly exceeds their original target to mobilize $40 million. Through USAID support, energy experts provided technical assistance to these clean energy developers. Assistance included advisory support on applications for Feed-in-Tariffs, preparation of work and financial work programs, completion of documentary requirements to apply for registration under the Board of Investments, and engagement of a third party to conduct a system impact study.

National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Established in Philippines

With technical assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Philippines issued Executive Order (EO) 174 in November 2014, establishing the Philippine National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Monitoring and Reporting System. Through the EO, the Philippines Climate Change Commission (CCC) has the authority and responsibility to build and submit GHG inventory reports. USAID continues to support CCC for implementation of a GHG inventory system to regularly collect and report its Biennial Update.

Philippines Submitted Post-2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to UNFCCC

The U.S. Agency for International Development's Building Low Emission Alternatives to Develop Economic Resilience and Sustainability project conducted a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of mitigation options for energy, forestry, agriculture, industry and infrastructure, and waste sectors in support of Philippine Climate Change Commission-led efforts to develop and submit the country’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC). The CBA quantified the co-benefits such as health, income generation, traffic congestion, climate resilience, energy security, traffic congestion, and gender.

Philippines Used Resource Data and Visualization Tools to Inform LEDS Investments in 2015

The  Geospatial Toolkit (GsT) and the updated Wind Energy Atlas of the Philippines were launched in February 2015 and accompanied by training for key stakeholders. Through the EC-LEDS program, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory developed these renewable resource data and visualization tools for use by policymakers, planners, and the private sector to inform LEDS (low emission development strategy) investments in the energy sector. With the development of the Wind Energy Atlas, the Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to have a comprehensive renewable energy data set available at the click of a button.

US$ 120 Million+ Mobilized for Clean Energy in Philippines

As a result of U.S Agency for International Development support, private clean energy developers will invest an estimated US$ 121 million for a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant and three biomass power plants to be established in the Luzon region. This investment directly supports the Philippines goals of clean energy deployment and energy security.

Philippines Used Resource Data and Visualization Tools to Inform LEDS Investments in 2014

In the Philippines, resource data and visualization tools are in active use by policymakers, planners, and private sector to inform low emission development strategy (LEDS) investments in the energy and land-use sectors. Tools include the following:

• Long-Range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) System
• U.S. version of Agriculture and Other Land Use software
• Advanced Land Observing Satellite Image Data for REDD+ MRV Development
• Philippine Government land-use data to establish reference emission level
• Synthetic aperture radar for land-use mapping
• Clean Energy Lending Toolkit
• Marginal Abatement Cost Curves for industrial, residential, and commercial sectors; and the analysis
• Financial Flows and Barriers to Investment.

The U.S. Agency for International Development's continued support in improving energy forecasting/low carbon scenario analysis contributed to US$ 69 million worth of investments of renewable energy generation, totaling 34.6 megawatts from four different projects – three hydro and one solar.

More Than $200 Million in Public and Private Investment Mobilized to Support Low Emission Development Projects in South Africa

Over the past two years, the U.S. government provided technical assistance and a loan guarantee to the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa for the development of a $200 million low emissions development debt facility for renewable energy. The facility is now providing, for the first time in South Africa, project finance debt to small-scale low emissions development projects of small-scale rooftop solar and biomass/biogas projects. The facility will also stimulate commercial debt in South Africa’s small-scale energy market. Furthermore, the U.S. government supported private sector project developers and municipal project officers in aligning projects with funders’ criteria, building relationships between funders and developers and municipalities, and identifying and fostering new funding opportunities for low emission development projects, resulting in another $1 million in funds leveraged from public institutions to support low emission project development.

Uptake of Best Practice Tools and Guidelines for Rooftop Solar Reduce Subnational Procurement Challenges and Accelerate Renewable Energy Project Implementation in South Africa

Technical assistance from the U.S. government supported the development of a Best Practice Request for Proposals (RFP) tool and guidelines for own-use solar photovoltaic for subnational governments. The tool and guidelines reduce one of the major capacity constraints for municipal renewable energy projects across South Africa; their use will reduce uncertainty and financial risk associated with procurement of municipal solar projects and will support the acceleration and scaling of solar photovoltaic projects, ultimately expanding green growth in South Africa. Current estimates put the potential for rooftop solar in South Africa at 100–200 gigawatts with potential emission reductions of 200,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. Less than one gigawatt of this potential has been installed. During 2017, two municipalities made use of this tool in publishing rooftop solar RFPs for approximately 2.96 megawatts in solar projects with the potential to reduce of nearly 80,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030.

$200 Million Investment Mobilized to Support Low Emission Project Development in South Africa

South Africa faces a critical challenge to low emission project development—access to finance and funding. To respond to this need, the U.S. government provided technical assistance and a loan guarantee to help the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa set up a $200 million Low Emissions Development Debt Facility to support small-scale renewable energy projects with a specific focus on rooftop solar and biomass/biogas. The debt facility will provide, for the first time in South Africa, project finance debt to small-scale, low emissions development projects employing these technologies. Furthermore, this facility will stimulate commercial debt into the South African small-scale renewable energy market.

South Africa Implemented First-of-its-kind National Climate Change Response Database to track emissions reduction projects

With U.S. government (USG) support, the South African Government implemented a National Climate Change Response Database. This is the first national system developed for tracking the implementation of emissions reduction projects in South Africa at national, sub-national, and private sector levels in order to monitor progress toward achieving its NDC targets. The USG provided technical assistance to support database development, roll out, maintenance, data collection and analysis, as well as reporting under South Africa’s UNFCCC commitments.

$405 Million Invested in Municipal and National Clean Energy Projects in Ukraine

Through U.S. government assistance, 35 Ukrainian cities representing 43% of Ukraine’s urban population developed comprehensive Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs) for clean energy development and implementation. In 2015 and 2016, this process secured investment totaling $55 million from partner municipalities. Building on this success, in 2017, 13 new projects worth over $97 million reached financial closure and the U.S. government helped implement five projects valued at about $74 million financed by international finance institutions, including the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Nordic Environmental Finance Corporation (NEFCO). Through informational campaigns, advocacy, consultations, and other means, the U.S. government also supported a national loan compensation program to implement energy efficiency measures in households and condominiums. In 2017, the value of loans issued under the program reached $179 million.

National Climate Change Legislation Adopted in Ukraine

With U.S. government assistance to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ukraine developed and adopted its first climate change legislative act, known as the National Climate Change Concept. It codifies the development and implementation of a low emission development strategy (LEDS). The U.S. government provided technical assistance to Ukraine to develop a comprehensive national LEDS policy document, the Ukrainian National Low Emission Strategy, which was publicly presented during the Third LEDS Conference in September 2017. This document outlines policies and measures to be implemented between 2017 and 2030 that will lead to economic diversification, energy security, a transition to low emission development, and increased stability in the region. Implementation of the national strategy is expected to increase the country’s share of clean energy to 30% of total energy consumption by 2030, up from 4% today.

Over $70 Million Mobilized for Clean Energy Investment in Ukraine

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) facilitated over $70 million in clean energy project investments across 17 partner cities in Ukraine. USAID supported key actions necessary to attract investment, such as preparing investment-grade energy audits and developing pre-feasibility studies, investment proposals, business plans, and technical specifications. Some examples of USAID-supported projects include:

• Conducting investment-grade energy audits of 11 public buildings, generating $1.6 million dollars in investments
• Supporting 10 energy audits of public buildings, which spurred implementation of energy efficiency measures and attracted investment.
• Improving the public transport system in Kramatorsk by conducting energy surveys of municipal energy systems and developing a Sustainable Energy Action Plan.

Ukraine Approved Eight Clean Energy Laws and Policies

The U.S. Agency for International Developm assisted Ukraine in the development of 12 clean energy laws or polices, with eight laws approved by the Parliament in fiscal year 2015. These laws will improve the energy regulatory framework in Ukraine and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the energy sector (currently around 76 percent of national GHG emissions), through increased fuel and energy efficiency. The laws include:

• Ukrainian standard on energy management
• National Action Plan on Renewable Energy
• National Action Plan on Energy Efficiency
• Two Laws on Ukraine Energy Service Company (ESCOs) (Law 1313 and Law 1409)
• Law on ownership in multistory residential buildings
• Two resolutions on promotion of substitution of natural gas in district heating sector.

Ukraine Submitted Post-2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to UNFCCC

With U.S. government support, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources established a Working Group on State Climate Policy Development in early February 2015. This Working Group focused on: (1) state climate policy development as a stand-alone national legislation, and (2) the formulation of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process. The next step is to operationalize the Inter-Agency Commission on UNFCCC Commitments Implementation and then to merge the two work streams.

Ukraine Used Latest IPCC Guidelines in National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Biennial Report

The U.S. Agency for International Development supported development of Ukraine’s National Inventory System Enhancement Plan to serve as a roadmap for state officials in preparation of the annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory Report. The Enhancement Plan compares the 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines with previous guidelines, and contains proposals and recommendations for GHG inventory compilers for transitioning to the 2006 guidelines for National GHG Inventories for energy, industrial processes, waste, agriculture and land-use, land-use change, and forestry sectors.

Green Growth Action Plan for Vietnam’s Construction Sector Approved with U.S. Government Assistance

With U.S. government support, Vietnam’s Green Growth Action Plan (GGAP) for the construction sector to the year 2020 with Vision to 2030 was approved. The new action plan outlines construction sector tasks specified in two earlier documents—the National Strategy on Green Growth to the year 2020 with Vision to 2030 (2012) and the National Action Plan on Green Growth for 2014–2020 (2014). The primary objective of the GGAP for the construction sector is to implement the national plan using building energy performance data, CO₂ emission reduction baseline and projections, and model inputs and outputs to improve decision-making at city, regional, and national levels. Another objective is to provide guidance to decision makers in the buildings sector on how to take advantage of available analyses and provide a framework to address clean energy policy issues.

Provincial REDD+ Action Plans Are Implemented across More Than 1.5 million Hectares in Vietnam

With technical assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development/Vietnam Forests and Deltas Program, the Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces finalized Provincial REDD+ Action Plans (PRAPs). Forest protection activities on 487,000 hectares are expected to result in about 3 million tons of reduced or avoided emissions, while another 1 million hectares will begin undergoing enrichment planting, reforestation, and other sequestration activities.

More Than 1.9 Million Tons of CO2 Equivalent Emissions Reduced or Sequestered from Forests in Vietnam

In FY16, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) continued to help the Nghe An, Quang Binh, Lam Dong, and Thanh Hoa provinces improve forest management across a number of sites and pursue low emission land-use. As a result of strengthened forest management and adoption of low emission land-use practices, it is estimated these provinces reduced or sequestered more than 1.9 million tons of CO₂ equivalent.

Provincial REDD+ Action Plan developed and approved in Nghe An, Vietnam

Nghe An is among the largest provinces of Vietnam with 685,000 hectares of forest. Like other provinces in Vietnam, forest resources in Nghe An are being degraded and deforested. USG support contributed to the development of a provincial REDD+ Action Plan through USAID’s Vietnam Forests and Deltas Program. Now Nghe An’s approved REDD+ action plan will allow the province access to REDD+ payments, which will incentivize local communities to protect forest landscapes that are important sinks for carbon. For example, the action plan will enable Nghe An to participate in the upcoming multi-year and multi-million U.S. dollar results-based payment program financed by the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, which is under design for six provinces in Vietnam. Future REDD+ payments combined with currently active payments for forest environmental services will enable the province to improve livelihoods and incomes for forest subsistence communities. The payments enabled through this provincial action plan will result in reduced community impact on forest resources and increased carbon sequestration in Nghe An as people’s livelihoods and incomes are improved.

Provincial REDD+ Action Plan Developed and Approved in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam

The 600,000 hectares of forest located in Vietnam’s Thanh Hoa province are experiencing high rates of deforestation and degradation. To reverse these trends, USG support contributed to the development of a provincial REDD+ Action Plan through USAID’s Vietnam Forests and Deltas Program. Thanh Hoa’s approved action plan will allow the province access to REDD+ payments, which will incentivize local communities to protect forest landscapes that are important sinks for carbon. For example, the action plan will enable Thanh Hoa to participate in the upcoming multi-year and multi-million U.S. dollar results-based payment program financed by the World Bank Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, which is under design for six provinces in Vietnam. Future REDD+ payments combined with currently active payments for forest environmental services will enable the province to improve livelihoods and incomes for forest subsistence communities. The payments enabled through this provincial action plan will reduce community impact on forest resources and increase carbon sequestration in Thanh Hoa as people’s livelihoods and incomes are improved.

Three Green Growth Action Plans Approved in Vietnam

The Government of Vietnam approved Green Growth Action Plans (GGAPs) for Quang Ninh and Thanh Hoa provinces as well as a national-level plan for the Ministry of Transport. Implementation of the GGAP for Quang Ninh’s GGAP alone will reduce over 7 million tons of CO₂ from the energy, land-use, and industry sectors by 2020. The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) Strengthening Capacity and Institutional Reform for Green Growth and Sustainable Development Program provided technical support to Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, and the Ministry of Transportation for developing their GGAPs. Meanwhile, USAID’s Vietnam Forests and Deltas and Low Emission Asian Development programs supported the development of Thanh Hoa’s provincial plan. These GGAPs serve as models for other provinces to replicate, as all provinces strive to meet the national mandate to develop and implement GGAPs to advance green growth across Vietnam.

Vietnam's Lam Dong Province REDD+ Action Plan Approved

The Provincial REDD+ Action Plan (PRAP) directly supports Lam Dong Province’s goal to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions of 27 percent from its forest sector by 2020 (from a 2010 baseline). It also provides a leading regional example of the development and implementation of a low emission land-use planning framework that balances economic growth, environmental protection, social equity, and a reduced emission pathway for a subnational entity. The U.S. Agency for International Development's Lowering Emissions in Asia’s Forests program has been instrumental in providing technical knowledge and strengthening the capacity of the Lam Dong Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in measuring historical deforestation, forest degradation, and afforestation and reforestation rates from 1990-2010; and in setting a low emission development pathway for the province.

More Than 700,000 Hectares of Forest Brought under Improved Management in Zambia

With U.S. government support, in 2017, Zambia’s community forest program brought 748,698 hectares of forest under improved protection primarily in the provinces of Muchinga and Lusaka, resulting in 181,401 tons of CO₂ reductions. The program focuses on promoting community- and performance-based participatory natural resource management, scaling up sustainable community-based livelihoods and forest-based enterprises, and building local and national capacity of government and non-government stakeholders and institutions to implement REDD+ interventions. These activities contribute to conservation of natural resources and provide economic incentives to the communities through a new conservation fee and the promotion of sustainable livelihood activities. This activity will also help Zambia meet its emission reduction targets of 47% as well as its national goals contained in the Forest Policy of 2014 and the Seventh National Development Plan of 2016, which promote employment creation and broad based economic growth.

Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff Strategy and Pricing Mechanism Adopted by the Government of Zambia

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided assistance to Zambia’s Ministry of Energy to develop a national renewable energy feed-in tariff (REFIT) strategy. The strategy establishes a framework for comprehensive renewable energy regulatory and financing measures and focuses on expanding renewable energy uptake through private sector investment. USAID provided technical and financial support to develop both the strategy and its regulations and pricing structure. This technical assistance included collecting data, developing models, conducting training, and providing coordination support for the various stakeholders involved in the process. The REFIT guarantees an initial energy allocation of 100 megawatts (MW) of hydropower and 100 MW that are not hydropower. The tariffs for solar energy investments range from 17.82 cents per kilowatt-hour to 14.25 cents per kilowatt-hour for up to 20 MW.

Zambia Submitted Post-2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to UNFCCC

The U.S. government helped Zambia develop and submit its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) by conducting an in-depth technical assessment on previous greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting efforts in order to develop a new baseline GHG inventory. The U.S. government also completed a resource and policy review, created a business-as-usual projection, and provided feedback to the Government of Zambia on its GHG data, collection, and inventory processes to promote capacity building within the country such that it can perform future work itself.