Announcement Description

1. Background

1.1 About CAPRED

Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED) is Australia's flagship bilateral economic development program in Cambodia. Funded Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and implemented by Cowater International, CAPRED focuses on supporting inclusive economic recovery and boosting resilient and sustainability over the next five years from 2022 to 2027. The Facility supports Cambodia in implementing a range of necessary economic interventions and reforms to maintain the country's economic transition. These interventions and reforms are primarily aimed at encouraging more productive and inclusive public and private investment, which promotes a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy (RISE).

CAPRED interventions and investments fall under three technical components including: Agriculture and Agro-processing; Trade, Investment and Enterprise Development and Infrastructure Development; and one Cross-Cutting component comprising: Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI); Climate Resilient initiatives, and policy support. GEDSI is at the heart of all that CAPRED does. Further information about CAPRED can be found on our website. 

1.2 About the ESCO Pilot Demonstration

In 2023, the Cambodian government released the National Energy Efficiency Policy (NEEP). One of the key strategies within NEEP is fostering the development of the Energy Service Company (ESCO) market. ESCOS offer a unique and attractive business model in which they guarantee a specific level of energy savings over a contracted period.

While ESCOs are a well-established concept globally, Cambodia currently lacks a developed ESCO market. Recognizing the potential of ESCOs to contribute to Cambodia's energy efficiency goals, CAPRED aims to pilot potential investment models between ESCOs and businesses, starting with agro-processing facilities.

Components

CATEGORY: Call for Proposals

LOCATION: Phnom Penh

In late March 2024, CAPRED launched an invite-only Call for Applications (CFA) or Express of Interest (EOI) to seek applications from businesses or project owners in rice milling, food processing, and animal farming sectors. The original deadline was 10 April 2024. Building on the positive response to the initial call, CAPRED is extending the deadline for receiving the applications until 31 December 2024.

CFA Number CFA24-031

Project Name Pilot Demonstration of the Energy Service Company (ESCO) Model for Energy Efficiency Services

Domain Name Infrastructure

Program Duration April 2024 - June 2027

2. Purpose and Scope of the Program

CAPRED is inviting applications from rice milling, food processing, and animal farming companies that have proven high energy consumption and are interested in improving energy efficiency to participate in the ESCO Pilot Demonstration Program. The objectives of this program are as follows:

• Testing the viability: assess the technical, financial, and economic feasibility of the ESCO model starting with the agro- processing sector.
• Informing policy: generate insights to inform policy development and regulatory frameworks for ESCO market development in Cambodia.

3.Target Participants

Applications are open to all Cambodia-based agro-processing companies - in the rice milling, food processing, and animal farming sectors - that meet the following criteria. Women-led businesses are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • The facility is a registered company in Cambodia.
  • The facility has operated for at least 3 years.
  • The facility falls under one of the targeted sub-sectors: rice milling, food processing, and animal farming.
  • The facility owns the land and facilities it operates on. If leased, the leasing term shall be at least 5 years.
  • The facility spends on energy bill more than US$8,000 per month.
  • The facility has utilized energy-intensive equipment or processes such as cooling systems, dryers, millers, air compressors, boilers, heavy machinery, etc.
  • The facility is committed to improving energy efficiency and sustainability will be prioritized.
  • The facility is committed to embracing gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) in business management will be prioritised.
  • The women-led facility will be prioritised.
• Other eligibility criteria include:
  • Demonstrating integrity and high ethical standards.
  • Displaying sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religious, racial, national, and age differences.
  • Treating all people fairly without favouritism.
  • Fulfilling obligations to GEDSI sensitivity and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment.
  • Strictly comply with DFAT Child Protection Code of Conduct and Policy.
  • (https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/child-protection-policy.pdf)

4. Evaluation Criteria:

CAPRED will use an objective and reliable process to evaluate each application. The applications will be evaluated on the following criteria (in no particular order):

• Compliance with this Call for Applications.
• Understanding and ability to meet the eligibility criteria.
• The applicant is willing and open to participating in the energy audit process.
• The applicant is willing to improve the energy efficiency in their business model as a pathway to growth.
• The applicant's business contributes to GEDSI (gender equality, disability, and social inclusion), sustainability, and/or the environment.

5. What CAPRED will Cover

• CAPRED will cover all costs associated with the energy audit process. This support aims to reduce the transaction cost for project owners.
• CAPRED will be responsible for the management and coordination of the energy auditor.
• Selected businesses will receive the energy audit report in English and Khmer.

6. How to Apply

Interested businesses are invited to complete and submit the application form no later than 5pm (Phnom Penh time), Tuesday 31 December 2024. The application form can be completed and submitted in either in English or Khmer language.

For further information:

Further information about this call for application can be obtained from Ratana Pich, Renewable Energy Manager at email

Attachment:

• Call For Application Form

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to the professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law. CAPRED aims to have a diverse workforce and a workplace that is supportive of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion. Women, people with disabilities and other minorities are highly encouraged to apply.

CFA24-031 ESCO Pilot Demonstration