Development of GEF Concept Note for the Kiribati Electric Bus Project

The aim of the project is to support Kiribati’s transition to electric public transport through the preparation of a GEF-9 concept note and a scalable e-bus pilot to reduce emissions from the fuel-dependent transport sector.

Objective

The USD 2 million project aims to prepare the GEF-9 concept note document and annexures to develop a scalable e-Bus pilot in South Tarawa, demonstrating low-emission and renewable-powered public transport aligned with the Kiribati NDC, with 50% supported by GEF funding and the remaining share co-financed by national ministries

Our Approach

Inception Report Preparation

Conducted a kick-off meeting with UNEP and the Training Needs Assessment (TNA) Coordinator to align objectives, review existing transport and EV reports, develop the concept note framework, identify key stakeholders with an engagement plan and prepare a detailed work plan for project execution.

Baseline AS-IS Market Assessment

Assessed climate and GHG emissions, mapped the bus transportation landscape, analyzed the e-mobility, electricity ecosystem, existing EV policies, investments and ongoing projects to identify opportunities and gaps for intervention

e-Bus Design & Planning

Conducted consultations with bus operators and key stakeholders, planned e-bus operations and route alignment, analyzed technical feasibility using pManifold EVFleetplanner©, evaluated e-bus economics through comparative scenarios and identified the most suitable business model for implementation

GEF Concept Note Development

Finalized the GEF funding agency template, developed the output matrix and log-frame, identified and allocated budgets across project components, estimated GHG and air pollution reduction impacts and conducted a validation workshop with stakeholders to incorporate feedback

Outcome

The GEF-funded e-mobility project in Kiribati will deploy four solar-charged electric buses in South Tarawa while advancing policy reforms, capacity building and grid integration for long-term transport electrification. It will strengthen the Public Vehicle Unit’s role in managing e-bus operations, finances and partnerships, establishing a scalable model for sustainable and low-emission public transport.

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