Japan's Official Development Assistance White Paper 2009
(4) Resources and Energy
In developing countries, there are approximately 1.5 billion people who have no access to electric power (Note 33). The lack of energy services leads to problems including a lack of industrial development, the loss of employment opportunities, poverty, and limited chances to receive medical services and education. It is expected that the world's energy demand will increase centering on developing countries in Asia and other regions in the future, and the steady supply of energy and appropriate consideration for the environment is essential.
Notes:
(33) Source: International Energy Agency (IEA) "World Energy Outlook 2009" (2009)
<Japan's Efforts>
In order to secure sustainable development and energy for developing countries, Japan works for the stable supply of electric power in order to provide modern energy services and to nurture industry. Japan provides support for environmentally-friendly infrastructure development, such as boosting the efficiency of energy usage and power generation facilities that utilize renewable energy. For example, Japan is contributing to improving the living environment for residents through the development of power distribution networks and small hydroelectric generation facilities in Zambia (Increased Access to Electricity Services Project).
Recently, Japan began to provide infrastructural support including power plant equipments and ports in cooperation with the private sector. In Vietnam, Japan supported the establishment of infrastructural services such as the formulation of an electricity generation plan and the establishment of electric generation facilities through ODA loans, which promoted the participation of independent power producers (IPP) including Japanese private enterprises (Phu My Thermal Power Plant Construction Project)
When it comes to resource abundant countries, Japan assists with the independent development of the country by obtaining foreign currency through resource development. Japan also works to establish and strengthen comprehensive and strategic relations by providing them with assistance including infrastructural supports centering on mines according to their needs. It is important to use ODA in addition to assistance from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI), and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), in order to secure the supplies of resources, energy, and metal resources through smooth resource development, production and transport by private enterprises.
Project for Urgent Improvement of Electricity Supply System in Freetown (Sierra Leone)
The electric power supply to capital city Freetown and the surrounding areas is extremely fragile as a result of civil war and the aging of power plant equipment in Sierra Leone. As a result, there are planned outages on a day-to-day basis, and general households are able to receive very little electric power (electricity supply for about a few hours one day a week). Through grant aid, Japan provides the necessary funds to improve the facilities that are needed to maintain the functions of capital Freetown and provide a steady supply of electricity to the people in the surrounding areas.