Economic and Environmental Feasibility Study on Adopting Solar Energy Systems by Households and Farmers.

Position Title:

Consultant for conducting:

• rapid market analysis to assess the available solar energy products and systems, as well as the market actors that provide these products/systems.
• mapping the financial service providers who provide green financial products in the target areas.

study to evaluate the economic and environmental feasibility of adopting the solar energy systems in HHs and in agricultural activities

Location:

Nineveh and Salah al Din governorates

• Nineveh: Mosul district
• Salah al Din: Samarra and Tikrit districts

Reporting to: Area Manager and Senior Project Officer

Type of Contract: Individual Contract

Languages required English and Arabic

Duration: 30 working days

Assignment

1. Objectives:

Oxfam is seeking an external expert to undertake a study on the feasibility of using solar energy for domestic and agricultural applications and to evaluate the economic and environmental benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of solar energy systems in households (HHs) and agricultural activities.

The main objective of the current assignment is to:

• rapid market analysis to assess the available solar energy products and systems, as well as the market actors that provide these products/systems.
• mapping the financial service providers who provide green financial products in the target areas.
• feasibility study to evaluate the economic and environmental feasibility of adopting the solar energy systems in HHs and in agricultural activities.
• To evaluate the environmental impacts of solar energy adoption in the specified sectors.
• To identify potential barriers and challenges to the adoption of solar energy systems.
• To provide recommendations for policy and practical measures to enhance the adoption of solar energy.

1. Scope of Work
   1. Literature Review:

• Review existing studies, reports, and data on energy adoption in households and agricultural sectors, on the market-based providers of solutions and financing institutions.
• Analyze current energy consumption patterns and costs in the targeted sectors.
• Review existing policies, regulations, and frameworks supporting solar energy adoption.
  1. Rapid Market Analysis and Mapping
• Conduct a snapshot of the key features of the local market and how markets are working.
• identify bottlenecks in the local markets such as supply and demand issues, or those related to policies, norms, rules, or infrastructure that limit market functioning.
• help to understand and mitigate various risks from and to our programming and to identify the most effective way to meet priority needs (through in-kind assistance, service provision, cash-based assistance, or a mix of these) in any context.
• do a mapping of current financial institutions and their key products and solutions.
  1. 1. Economic Feasibility Analysis
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis of solar energy systems compared to conventional energy sources.
• Evaluate initial investment, operational costs, maintenance costs, and potential savings.
• Assess financial incentives, subsidies, and financing options available for solar energy projects.
• Assess the technical requirements for the installation and maintenance of solar energy systems.

1. Environmental Feasibility Analysis

• Analyze the environmental impact of adopting solar energy systems at household and for agriculture activities.
• Evaluate potential environmental risks and benefits associated with the installation and disposal of solar panels and related equipment.

1. Methodology

• Data Collection: Utilize primary and secondary data sources, including surveys, interviews, field visits, and existing literature.
• Analytical Tools: Employ financial modeling, environmental impact assessment tools, and stakeholder analysis frameworks.
• Engagement: Conduct stakeholder workshops and focus group discussions to validate findings and gather feedback.

1. Key Deliverables:
2. Inception Report – summarizing the objectives, scope and outputs of the assignment, organization, and methodology for achievement of the outputs, documentation review, meetings, findings, and setting out a detailed planning of the assignment, including the schedule.
3. Data Collection: conduct review of secondary data and collect primary data for the purpose of the research.
4. Technical Report: comprising three components.
   1. Rapid Market Analysis

3.2. Mapping of Financial Institutions

3.3. Feasibility Report – on the economic and environmental feasibility of adopting solar energy systems in households and farms in the targeted areas of Salah al Din and Ninewa governorates; The report must summarize findings, analysis, and recommendations. It should provide practical and actionable recommendations for households, agricultural stakeholders, and policymakers.

Timeline for implementation

All documents and reports are to be submitted in English unless otherwise stated. Where specifically stated, translation into Arabic will be done only after the English version is approved by Oxfam Iraq and for the respective deliverables. All deliverables will only be accepted if they meet highest quality standards. Documents, including drafts, must be well structured and written. Data collection, analysis and presentation are expected to meet highest standards. All final documents must be proofread and professionally edited before submission.

Proposal requirements

Oxfam is requesting the service providers to hand in a proposal of maximum three (3) pages, which should highlight the methodology and analytical approaches that the consultant will employ for acquiring and analyzing data; the types of data(sets) that will be used; an analysis plan; and a workplan. The proposal should also include a succinct description of consultant’s capacities and any relevant experience related to the ToR. The 3-page proposal does not include biographies, CVs, diplomas, sample work and references, which should be submitted separately. Proposals not fulfilling the minimum criteria will be excluded from the tender procedure and will not be assessed further.

Education and Experience

Education: Advance degree in Environmental Sciences, Public Policy/Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development studies or any other relevant field. Academic training or degree combining social studies and climate science and climate change related matters is highly preferable.

Experience:

• The consultants should have significant knowledge and experience in conducting high quality research and analysis.
• The consultants should have technical knowledge in solar energy solutions at household and farm level.
• Experience on research on business models and financial feasibilities
• Experience in the MENA region is an asset.
• Capability to collect primary data efficiently in Iraq.
• Proficiency in English and in Arabic.

Selection Process

Evaluation scores will be awarded for each of the components. Combined Scoring method – where the qualifications and methodology will be weighted a max. of 70% and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30%. Only candidates scoring 70% (i.e., 49 points) in the technical evaluation will be considered for financial proposal evaluation.

Timeframe

The assignment will be starting the 25th of June until the 25th of July 2024, inclusive of the submission of the final deliverables defined within. Weekly meetings will be held to discuss findings and direction of work.

Disclaimer

Oxfam is not obliged in this tender procedure to make a contract award decision or to conclude a contract with a participant. Participants in the tender procedure cannot claim compensation from Oxfam, any affiliated persons, or entities, in any way, in case any of the afore-mentioned situations occur. By handing in a proposal, participants accept all terms and reservations made in this ToR, and subsequent information and documentation in this tender procedure.