ALM UNDP

Summary:

 The RMI Coconut Biofuel project seeks to determine the use of coconut products in electricity generation for rural communities in country as a strategy for import substitution and to enable rural communities to participate in value-adding economic activities while creating jobs in the non-formal sector as well as improving and sustaining livelihoods. The project also determines feasibility of using coconut products to fuel inter- island shipping either purely on coconut oil or as a bio-diesel combination as a strategy for import substitution and to enable rural communities to participate in value-adding economic activities.

Main deliverables include:

1. Feasibility study on establishment of a sustainable copra oil-powered generator and a small scale oil extraction unit in Ebon atoll;

2. Business model for local cost efficient production for coconut oil fuel as a diesel replacement on Jaluit, Wotje, Namrik and Rongrong;

3. Strategy to develop a refined policy framework and institutional arrangements necessary for widespread adoption of bio-fuel for providing electrification to rural communities;

4. Strategy to increase awareness among public, decision makers, consumers, and other end-users on the potential role of bio-fuel in meeting basic energy needs of rural communities; and

5. Strategy to strengthen private sector to provide better quality service and to develop models for providing bio-fuel based electricity services in rural areas.