The overarching aim of this consultancy is to fill the identified gap in the available information regarding micro to small wind-powered generation systems in two representative countries of Latin America: Argentina and Uruguay.

This consultancy will have the following specific objectives:

a) Identifying, reviewing and compiling available information on the current state of the market (market maturity) for micro to small wind turbines in the selected countries. This should look at the actual and potential players on both supply and demand sides, and determine size and trends of the market itself.

b) Mapping the cost of energy (USD/KWh) and of the primary sources used to produce it in the selected countries. This information will be used as a comparison benchmark to assess the financial attractiveness of connected or off-grid small wind generation systems.

c) Assessing the potential for marketability and technology penetration of micro to small wind turbine in the selected countries.

d) Outlining and analyzing the legislative/administrative framework, as to identify and assess any existing incentives and/or subsidies that could be leveraged to support the establishment of a manufacturing facility and the sales of the final product. This should look at both the production/commercialization side (incentives for the manufacturer), and at the consumer side (incentives for the final users), as well as any framework that would allow sales of electricity generated into the grid.

e) Mapping of the electrical grid in Argentina and Uruguay. Low tension grid(s) will be included in the analysis, as well as the modalities and typical timing for the connection to the grid of micro to small wind generation systems.

f) Assess the potential for deployment of micro to small wind turbines as an alternative/add-on to non-grid connected fossil fuel-based generation sets or grids across the region. This should include description of typical layout and loads of the existing off grid systems.

g) Consolidating available information on wind availability (wind mapping) in the selected countries. This should include information on how the measurements were taken and by whom.

h) Asses the availability of, and potential access to, local skilled workforce.