DFCC Consulting conducts study-tour on renewable energy technology and financing

Thursday, 18 September 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

DFCC Consulting is a fully owned subsidiary of DFCC Bank providing specialised consulting expertise in a variety of fields including renewable energy. The company recently conducted a five day study-tour on Renewable Energy Technology and Financing in Sri Lanka, with a special focus on hydro projects. The program was targeted at a delegation from Nepal, consisting of banks, ministries and government organisations that deal with power.

Facilitated by the Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC) of Nepal and funded by the UNDP, this program was aimed at providing in-depth understanding on financing clean and renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka, and aiding the participants in preparing detailed and competitive proposals. It consisted of excursions to wind project and mini-hydro project sites as well as classroom sessions giving insight into how to appraise hydro-projects. The delegates also learned the functions of the former Administrative Unit which was housed at DFCC to administer Energy Services Delivery Project (ESD) and Renewable Energy for Rural Economic Development (RERED) World Bank projects. Speaking on this, DFCC Consulting Chief Executive Officer Prasanna Premarathne said, “The role of renewable energy in achieving energy transformation, improving the environment and supporting rural economies has become a topic of great importance across the world. However, as approaches differ significantly in different countries, exchanging experiences and lessons learned is crucial.

“DFCC Consulting has been active in responding to this need, having organised a range of study tours in the past helping decision makers explore and discuss innovative solutions to unlock the potential of renewable energy in various communities. Accordingly we have conducted programs on renewable energy for Uganda, Ghana, Cambodia, Nepal and Mozambique, utilising the expertise of former members of the administrative unit.” Recording a first, the firm was also recently awarded a World Bank funded international assignment to provide consultancy services to the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC), in developing a Solar Loan scheme to be marketed In Uganda. DFCC Consulting (DCL) was established in September 2004 and offers consultancy services with expertise in setting up new business ventures, pursuing expansions and modernisation of existing business. Services include: due diligence for startups, due diligence for existing projects, comprehensive financial feasibility assessment, training on due diligence, project appraisal and follow-up, environmental appraisals, raising debt capital, syndication of loans, renewable energy study tours and other consultancy services. The firm also performs a wide spectrum of support functions for DFCC Bank providing supplementary expertise in specialist areas such as project engineering, environmental impact assessment and renewable energy. This parent and subsidiary equation has resulted in a strong confluence of resources, expertise and experience and is proving to be an impetus for continuing success in developing current and future business prospects.