Strengthening Policy for Improved Energy Access in Displacement Settings in Ethiopia
Project
Energy Solutions for Displacement Settings (SUNESDS) is a component of the Global Programme Support to UNHCR in facilitating the operationalisation of the Global Compact on Refugees in the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (SUN), which is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). SUN-ESDS in Ethiopia supported UNHCR together with Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) in policy development and implementation in humanitarian settings.
Purpose of the Intervention
Energy policies are key in achieving development objectives and provide emergency relief to persons affected by displacement in a sustainable manner. They are essential in realising a harmonised approach, effective resource mobilisation, and in targeting and sequencing goals to align with national energy policies and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across displacement settings in Ethiopia.
Strategy Documents Developed and Endorsed
- Multi Actor Cooking Energy Strategy (MCES) for displacement settings in Ethiopia (2022-2030): SUN-ESDS Ethiopia has been working with multiple actors to finalize the MCES to be implemented in refugee and host communities for the period of 2022-2030. The overarching objective of the MCES is to advance the fundamental human rights for adequate, sustainable, affordable and clean cooking energy solutions in line with UN SDG 7 goals and timelines through an inclusive and people-centred approach where no one is left behind. The Strategy is endorsed by the government of Ethiopia’s focal ministry i.e. the MoWE along with the EEWG members.
- Electrification Strategy for refugees and host communities in Ethiopia (2024-2030): The Strategy seeks to increase access to clean energy for schools, health centres, communal facilities, and other institutions in refugee areas and nearby host communities. It also strives to complement UNHCR’s efforts to introduce comprehensive energy efficiency measures and equip its offices, personnel accommodation, and operations with sustainable energy solutions. As part of the process a range of stakeholders were brought together for the first time to provide support and relevant data.
Modes of Cooperation
- Global Refugee Forum - Climate Action Pledge: From 2019 to 2023, SUN-ESDS Ethiopia provided critical technical and financial support for monitoring and reporting on the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) pledge. GIZ ESDS, as a member of the technical working group alongside the RRS and UNHCR, was instrumental in securing the endorsement of a new pledge for 2024-2027, presented by the national government in December 2023 in Geneva. This pledge emphasizes the commitment to address climate change impacts in refugee-hosting areas through initiatives such as planting 100 million multi-purpose seedlings, implementing environmental rehabilitation, and expanding access to alternative energy sources, including solar mini-grids and national grid connections. Additionally, Ethiopia pledges to integrate refugees into its National Adaptation Plan and Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy.
- Energy Symposium - Enhancing Energy Policy Framework: ESDS Ethiopia organized a symposium that gathered over 120 participants, including senior officials from the MoWE, to discuss energy policy in humanitarian settings. The workshop fostered dialogue among humanitarian and development actors active in the field of energy at national and regional levels, strengthening a joint understanding of their roles in promoting energy efficiency and sustainable energy use, particularly in the Gambela region. The energy symposium supported improved policy frameworks aligned with the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), aimed at increasing access to sustainable cooking energy and electricity through market-based approaches, while raising awareness of best practices regarding energy use in displacement settings.
- EEWG - Establishment of a coordination platform and steering of policy processes: The EEWG was established as a key coordination platform overseeing Ethiopia’s efforts to enhance the policy framework for sustainable energy access in refugee-hosting areas, aligned with the GCR. As part of the EEWG SUN-ESDS cooperated with UNHCR and the RRS to support the development of the above strategies by enabling inclusive dialogues, consultations, a baseline assessment, and multi-stakeholder engagements. The EEWG comprises over 25 organizations, including UN agencies, international NGOs, local NGOs, government ministries, and donor agencies. GIZ ESDS has been steering the group for the past four years, fostering collaboration through monthly meetings to share best practices and develop strategies.
