Abstract
The New Applied Technology Efficiency and Lighting Initiative (NATELI) was a two-year USAID sponsored activity, and follow-on agreement to the Rural Energy Program, implemented by Winrock International from October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2011. The NATELI project was designed to fulfill USAID's Strategic Objective (SO) 1.51 (A foundation for a more sustainable energy system and Intermediate Result IR) and section 1.51.3 (Increased efficiency in the energy sector). This mid-term evaluation covers activities performed between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2011 and was designed to assess whether the NATELI project achieved its stated objectives and, where appropriate, make recommendations regarding emphasis and methodology for the remaining work. Evaluation efforts were designed to answer four key questions posed by USAID/Caucasus in the request for proposals and statement of work. The evaluators found that overall: (1) NATELI successfully contributed to efforts that made significant progress in raising awareness of energy efficiency and the local utilization of renewable energy resources; and (2) barriers to implementing these technologies exist, but have been identified, and work continues to improve Georgian's access to knowledge and the means to improve efficient use of energy. The evaluators concluded that: (1) USAID designed a program to build awareness about energy efficiency and to demonstrate technologies that had an impact on a wide range of stakeholders; (2) NATELI provided the seed money and the catalyst necessary to get the Energy Efficiency and Auditing Program at Georgian Technical University underway; (3) hospitals were able to take advantage of the recommendations of energy passports and energy audits as well as the partial funding for energy efficiency remediation efforts; and (4) Winrock International did an excellent job as the implementing organization, demonstrating flexibility with changing needs. One of Winrock's most important contributions was assembling an outstanding array of local sub-contractors. At times, these local sub-contractors growth in their capabilities due to their additional responsibilities, but this led to increased in-country capacity and ability to provide services in the energy efficiency arena. (Excerpt, modified)