Business models to realize the potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the greater Mekong subregion

Abstract

The business models outlined here focus first on ways of spreading risk and overcoming financial barriers to investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, and secondly on the provision of services to facilitate such investment. The key features of the models are described, together with their advantages and disadvantages. A few examples of how these models have been applied in practice are drawn from GMS countries. The intent of the ADB technical assistance (TA) was for each of the five countries to provide three examples of renewable energy and energy efficiency business models that were either effective or not, the latter to help other countries steer clear of models that have proven difficult. Unfortunately, this aspect of the TA was largely unfulfilled. International best practices may be drawn from various reports of the World Energy Council, the International Energy Agency, and other lead organizations.