NRECA International Programs
NRECA in Yemen

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Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the world and less than 20% of the country’s rural population enjoys access to electric service. Since 2005, NRECA International has been engaged in the design, development and implementation of an ambitious national rural electrification program with funding from US government agencies and multilateral donors.

As part of the initial rural electrification strategy, NRECA International recommended the establishment of an autonomous national rural electrification agency (REA), and development of local cooperative service providers. The full implementation of the national strategy would result in 27 distinct service territories and service providers that would deliver the benefits of electricity to over six million people living in rural areas.

NRECA International has continued to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Electricity and Energy to develop the legal framework for the creation of the REA, a related fund to finance rural electrification program investments, and the first local electric cooperative service provider in Ibb governorate.

NRECA International will provide technical assistance to the Ibb Rural Electric Cooperative, including training to utility operational personnel, management, and members of the Board of Directors.

NRECA has also undertaken a project assignment to evaluate the appropriate institutional framework for delivery and financing of off-grid renewable energy services, a supplement to the grid-based strategy already developed.

Featured Story

NRECA International Lays Groundwork for Electric Cooperatives In Yemen
(International Tieline Newsletter, November, 2008)

NRECA International is helping Yemen, a country in the Middle East, embark on an ambitious program to expand access to electricity in rural areas. "There's a tremendous need for all types of development in all sectors in Yemen," said Eric Gibbs, who is managing NRECA International's technical assistance projects in Yemen. "Electricity will immediately improve the quality of life for rural Yemenis, and will be a key input to job creation and rural development.".

Project Photos
Program Accomplishments

Developed national rural electrification strategy

Designed legal framework for new rural electrification agency and rural electric cooperatives

Currently organizing first electric cooperative in Yemen

Developing institutional framework for off grid renewable energy service delivery

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