International Network of Solar Technology and Application Resource Centres (STAR C) Project.

The Structuring of an International Network of Solar Technology Application Resource Centre, STAR C project works towards enhancing capacity for deployment of solar energy applications research, development, standardization and testing in solar energy to contribute to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through increased access to modern, reliable and affordable energy. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the International Solar Alliance are initiating the project with funding from the Government of France. The main objective of the STAR-C project is to enhance regional solar energy quality infrastructure frameworks in International Solar Alliance (ISA) member states.

The project focuses on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the East African Community (EAC) and the Pacific Community (SPC). The initiative is implemented under the umbrella of the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC) and in the EAC it is coordinated by EACREEE. STAR C project covers all the eight Partner States of EAC. Currently, EACREEE is conducting two baseline surveys to assess the Quality Infrastructure for solar photovoltaics and solar thermal. In the next stages, a Quality Infrastructure Framework will be developed followed by capacity building for the relevant stakeholders.