In the area of renewable energies, the GIZ primarily advises governments, as well as public and private institutions involved in the energy sector. The services include:

Integration of environment-friendly RE technologies into energy policies:

• Developing policies and strategies to meet rural energy needs and to allow RE – electricity to be fed into the public grid.
• Developing strategies for the removal of market barriers.
• Policy advice on creating suitable conditions and incentives for self-sustaining market based dissemination of RE technologies.
• Assisting the creation of suitable conditions for local investors and potential users of RE technologies.
• Design and implementation of regional and national dissemination strategies for selected RE technologies.
• Supporting public relations activities.

Transfer of know-how to the stakeholders in the dissemination processes:

• implementation of pilot measures to introduce RE solutions
• management consultancy and training of RE experts
• advising utilities on expansion planning with regard to RE technologies
• introduction of private sector operation arrangements for wind parks, mini hydropower plants as well as for village solar systems
• identifying and adapting finance schemes
• assistance in conducting feasibility studies
• advice on the establishment of independent inspection and certification agencies
• special information campaigns aimed at private and public decision-makers within the project environment.

Consultancy services for the local private sector:

• Identifying and facilitating cooperation with the private sector of industrial countries to enhance the transfer of know-how.
• Advice on technology adaptation and the setting up of internal quality control systems for locally manufactured RE components.
• Providing ongoing training for installation and maintenance personnel.
• Assistance in devising marketing strategies, market research and customer surveys.

Technological priorities:

• small hydroelectric plants for small (100 kW -1 MW) and medium (1 MW - 15 MW) local grids and grid connection.
• Wind parks for grid supply with capacities of 10 MW or more.
• efficient use of biomass (e.g. efficient stoves and biogas units) and biomass substitutes (e.g. solar cookers).
• photovoltaic systems for the decentralised supply of electricity to rural areas (drinking water supply, health centres, schools) and for private households.