Renewable Energy Generation and Access INcrease Project (REGAIN)
(P181250) Marshall Islands
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS
OF INTEREST Consulting Services
For
Preparation of an Energy Sector Investment Program (ESIP) for
the Marshall Islands
Grant No.: E331-MH REGAIN Project Reference No. MH-MEC-564965
July 31, 2026
The Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (GRMI) has received financing from the International Development Association (IDA) (the "Bank") in the form of a grant (hereinafter called "the Grant"), in the amount of US$60 million, toward the cost of the Renewable Energy Generation and Access Increase (REGAIN) Project (P181250), approved and effective as of December 13, 2024, with a closing date of September 30, 2030. The Marshalls Energy Company (MEC), as Employer and implementing agency, intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of the Grant to eligible payments under a contract for consulting services for the preparation of an Energy Sector Investment Program (ESIP), under Sub-Component 3.1 (Sector Development Assistance) of the REGAIN Project. The ESIP shall be prepared in close coordination with the newly established National Energy Authority (NEA) and shall cover Majuro, Ebeye and the outer island systems. The consulting services ("the Services") comprise the preparation of a prioritized, costed, and financeable Energy Sector Investment Programme (ESIP) for the Marshall Islands, aligned with the Government's existing Energy Strategy and Integrated Resource and Resilience Plan (IRRP). The Services include, among others: • Targeted sector diagnostics and strategic review; • Review and update of the least-cost development pathway, including preparation of an updated and integrated IRRP covering Majuro, Ebeye, and Outer Islands; • Preparation and update of the energy sector investment pipeline; • Renewable energy and storage target refinement; • Preparation of a financing strategy; • Preparation of a policy reform and enabling actions roadmap; • Preparation of an e-mobility investment and strategic framework; • Design of the ESIP monitoring and implementation framework; • Stakeholder engagement, consultations and results validation; and • Outer-island mini-grid (and, where suitable, mesh-grid) concept design. The assignment is structured as a lump-sum contract with an estimated duration of 12 months, with an expected start date in September 2026. The selected firm will nominate a multidisciplinary team, including the Key Experts described below, and will report to MEC, coordinating closely with NEA, the World Bank, ADB and other relevant stakeholders. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this Request for Expressions of Interest. MEC now invites eligible consulting firms ("Consultants") to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are: Mandatory requirements a) Firm Experience: 1. At least 10 years of experience in energy sector planning, energy investment planning, integrated resource planning, sector development strategies, or related advisory services.
2. Successful completion of at least two similar assignments during the last ten years involving energy sector investment programs, integrated resource planning, utility master planning, energy transition roadmaps, or comparable strategic energy planning studies. 3. Demonstrated experience working in developing countries, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), or geographically dispersed island power systems. 4. Technical and managerial capacity to undertake multidisciplinary energy sector assignments. The Consultant shall demonstrate availability of qualified experts in energy sector planning, power system planning, finance, policy and stakeholder engagement. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage. Discretionary requirements 1. The Firm’s ability to satisfy many or all of the following points are also considered relevant to a successful application o Proven ability to work effectively and sensitively in multi-cultural environments and build effective business relationships with clients and colleagues. o Experience of undertaking projects in a small developing state or a small island state or municipality.
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s "Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers" September 2025 ("Procurement Regulations"), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. In addition, please refer to the following specific information on conflict of interest related to this assignment: Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection based on Consultant’s Qualifications (CQS) method set out in the World Bank Regulations for IPF-Borrowers September 2025 Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours. 0900 to 1700 hours.
MEC: Attn: Steve Wakefield PO Box 1439 Majuro MH 96960 Republic of the Marshall Islands Tel: 692-625-3827/3829 E-mail: [email protected] Copy: Jack Chong-Gum, [email protected] EOI Submission Requirements: Expressions of Interest should include the following information: 1. Firm profile Expressions of Interest EOI must be delivered in a written form to the address below August 28th, 2026.
2. Organizational Capacity 3. Relevant assignments (maximum 10 projects) preferably including energy sector planning or similar assignments in developing countries or small island states. 4. Confirmation of mandatory requirements 5. Company registration documents Page Limit: Maximum 15 pages excluding registration documents.
Yours sincerely,
Jack Chong-Gum CEO Marshalls Energy Company P O Box 1439, Majuro MH 96960 [email protected]
Republic of the Marshall Islands Marshalls Energy Company (MEC) Terms of Reference (TOR)
Preparation of an Energy Sector Investment Program for the Marshall Islands - REGAIN
Project
Project ID: P181250 Assignment Type: International Firm (Lump sum Contract) Duration: 12 Months Location: Remote with Periodic Missions to Majuro 1. Background The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is one of the world's smallest and most isolated nations. The country consists of 29 atolls and 5 low coral islands situated on about 181 square kilometres (km2) of land mass in the Pacific Ocean. Majuro (the nation's capital) and Ebeye, the country's two largest urban centres, account for about 96 percent of total population while the remaining inhabit outer atolls. The Government of the Republic of Marshall Islands, (GRMI) and MEC require assistance to increase the amount of renewable energy generation and BESS in the selected islands to increase access to electricity and to reduce dependence on hydrocarbon fuels for their remote populations. MEC, the state-owned energy utility, generates and provides electricity to Majuro Atoll, serving 55 percent of RMI's population. MEC also manages three mini grids in Jaluit, Wotje, Rongrong (Majuro Atoll) and Kili Island, the latter having been recently transferred to MEC from the Kili Bikini Ejit Local Government. The Government has partnered with the World Bank through the Renewable Energy Generation and Access Increase Project (REGAIN) - an IDA grant of US$60 million approved and effective as of December 13, 2024, with a closing date of September 30, 2030. The REGAIN project aims to increase renewable energy generation and improve electricity access while reducing reliance on diesel-based generation. RMI’s Electricity Roadmap targets an objective of net zero greenhouse gas emissions and the achievement of 100% renewable electricity in the power generation mix by 2050. As a small and geographically dispersed island nation, RMI remains highly dependent on imported diesel for electricity generation, which exposes the country to high energy costs and vulnerability to global fuel price shocks. At the same time, growing electricity demand, the need to improve the reliability of aging infrastructure, and the expansion of services across outer islands
require significant levels of investment in modern, resilient energy systems. Ensuring a reliable, clean, and cost- effective electricity supply is therefore critical to achieving national climate commitments, strengthening energy
security, and supporting sustainable socio-economic development. Under Sub-Component 3.1 of the REGAIN project (Sector Development Assistance), MEC plans to undertake a study to prepare the country’s Energy Sector Investment Program (ESIP). The ESIP shall propose and define a set of detailed, prioritized energy investments to safely and reliably increase renewable energy penetration in Majuro and Ebeye grids, as well as other outer islands. The ESIP shall be prepared in close coordination with the
newly established National Energy Authority (NEA), and shall cover the national footprint of RMI, including Majuro, Ebeye and the outer island systems. The ESIP shall take into account the full range of relevant existing studies, including but not limited to: • The Integrated Resource and Resilience Plan 2024-2034, which already sets out a high-level power system assessment and identifies a set of proposed investments in Majuro. • SEDeP and REGAIN projects, including existing and new solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) capacity to be deployed. • Relevant energy sector programs and studies of other development partners active in the RMI, in particular the Asian Development Bank (ADB), such as the Energy Transition Project, to be considered to ensure coordination and avoid duplication of efforts. • RMI Electricity Roadmaps and national targets. 2. Objectives The objective of this assignment is to prepare a prioritized, costed, and financeable Energy Sector Investment Programme (ESIP) which is aligned with the existing Energy Strategy and Integrated Resource and Resilience Plan (IRRP). The ESIP will build upon existing planning and strategy documents and will focus on updating, operationalizing, and translating these into an actionable investment and implementation framework. The ESIP should include: • The identification of investment priorities, including both generation and power grids. • Descriptions of viable approaches to financing the identified needed investments. • The enabling actions, including policy options to support the investment program. • The necessary implementation arrangements required to support delivery of national energy sector objectives. 3. Project Description The proposed ESIP project will support the development of a prioritized, costed, and implementable investment program for the Marshall Islands’ energy sector, aligned with the Government’s existing Energy Strategy and considering the Integrated Resource and Resilience Plan (IRRP) for Majuro (prepared in 2024). Building on these existing strategic and planning instruments, as well as an updated IRRP1
covering Majuro, Ebeye and the outer island systems, the ESIP will translate national energy objectives into an actionable pipeline of investments and
enabling measures required to support sector development, energy security, resilience, decarbonization, and long- term sustainability. The project will consolidate and update existing and official sector analyses and investment
priorities, while identifying financing approaches, implementation arrangements, and policy actions necessary to facilitate delivery of priority investments. The ESIP will include targeted sector diagnostics, a review and validation of the existing least-cost development pathway, refinement of renewable energy and storage deployment trajectories, and the preparation of an updated 1 The updated IRRP Will be prepared as part of the present technical assistance and will include updating the existing (2024) IRRP for Majuro and expanding the geographical coverage of the IRRP to also include Ebeye and the outer island systems.
energy sector investment pipeline. The project will also assess investment requirements associated with emerging priorities such as grid modernization, resilience, storage integration, and e-mobility development. In parallel, the ESIP will develop an overall financing strategy identifying potential public, private, concessional, and climate finance sources, together with a policy reform and enabling actions roadmap aimed at addressing barriers to implementation and investment mobilization. The project will further establish an implementation and monitoring framework to support effective delivery and tracking of the ESIP over time. Stakeholder engagement and consultation will be undertaken within the assignment to ensure alignment across government institutions, utilities, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders. The resulting ESIP will provide a practical action plan for sequencing and financing priority energy sector investments and will serve as a key tool for guiding government decision-making, coordinating development partner support, and mobilizing investment into the sector. 4. Implementation Arrangements MEC will be the Client and Employer under this assignment responsible for approving deliverables and payments. NEA, as the national regulatory body for renewable energy in the Marshall Islands, will act as the principal regulatory interface between MEC and the Consultant. For deliverables with regulatory or renewable energy policy implications, the Consultant shall obtain NEA's endorsement prior to MEC's final approval. The Consultant shall work under the direction of MEC and coordinate closely with: • MEC management and technical staff. • REGAIN Project Management Services consultant, as applicable. • Project Implementation Unit within MEC. • National Energy Authority (NEA), the national regulatory body for renewable energy, serving as the regulatory interface between MEC and the Consultant. • World Bank on matters requiring no-objection, reporting, or implementation support. • ADB and other development partners active in RMI's energy sector, as relevant. 5. Scope of Services Task 1. Targeted sector diagnostics and strategic review The Consultant will undertake a focused review of the energy sector to validate key assumptions, identify material developments since preparation of the IRRP and Energy Strategy, and assess investment-relevant constraints and opportunities. This is a diagnostic update, as opposed to a full sector assessment. Specifically, the Consultant will: (i) Review of existing sector policies, strategies, and plans. (ii) Review of recent sector developments and pipeline projects. (iii)Assessment of institutional, financial, and implementation constraints. (iv)Review of utility performance and sector financing context. (v) Identification of critical sector gaps affecting investment delivery.
(vi)Validation of key demand, technology, and resilience assumptions relevant to the ESIP. Task 2. Review and update of the least-cost development pathway. The Consultant will review the existing least-cost development pathway established under the existing IRRP (2024) for Majuro and undertake targeted updates where necessary to ensure continued relevance for investment planning purposes. The Consultant will also expand the geographic focus, to also cover Ebeye and Outer Islands, incorporating the results the existing IRRP update and the analyses of the Ebeye and Outer Islands into a single and integrated IRRP covering the entire geographic extent of the Marshall Islands (i.e., Majuro, Ebeye, and Outer Islands). The key steps to be implemented include: (i) The review of the underlying assumptions (especially the demand forecast, and renewable potential) used in the existing IRRP for Majuro. Preparation of underlying assumptions to be used in the expanded and integrated IRRP, covering Majuro, Ebeye and Outer Islands. (ii) Assessment of prevailing conditions, and any material changes, affecting the least-cost pathway, including: a. Demand projections. b. Fuel prices. c. Technology potential and costs. d. Resilience considerations. e. Renewable integration requirements, including storage deployment needs. f. Policy or regulatory developments. (iii)Realization of high-level modelling and analytical updates, as required. (iv)Confirmation of priority development trajectories for generation, storage, transmission, and distribution investments in the Marshall Islands (covering Majuro, Ebeye, and Outer Islands). (v) Preparation of the integrated and updated Marshall Islands IRRP document. Task 3. Preparation and update of the energy sector investment pipeline The Consultant shall develop a consolidated, prioritized, and sequenced pipeline of energy sector investments. The Consultant will undertake the following: (i) Consolidation of existing project pipelines and studies. (ii) Update of investment requirements identified in the updated IRRP prepared under Task 2 and covering the full geographic extent of the Marshall Islands, and related studies. (iii)Identification of additional investment needs where gaps are identified. (iv)Categorization of investments by subsector and implementation timeframe. (v) Preliminary costing and sequencing of investments. (vi)Identification of priority and near-term investments. (vii) Development of an implementation-oriented investment pipeline, including both generation and power grid infrastructure.
It is suggested that the following investment categories be used to group investments by type: renewable energy; storage; transmission; distribution; resilience investments; grid modernization; energy Access; energy efficiency; and e-mobility infrastructure.
Task 4. Renewable energy and storage target refinement This phase is designed to support the operationalization of national renewable energy and storage ambitions within the ESIP framework. The Consultant shall undertake the following: (i) Review of existing renewable energy and storage targets. (ii) Assessment of the degree of consistency between targets, investment requirements, and implementation capacity. (iii)Refinement of indicative deployment trajectories where required. (iv)Identification of enabling investments needed to support achievement of targets. (v) Assessment of the implications for grid infrastructure and flexibility requirements. It is important to note that the ESIP supports refinement and operationalization of existing targets rather than formulation of entirely new national policy targets unless specifically directed. Task 5. Preparation of the financing strategy Under this phase, a comprehensive financing approach for implementation of the ESIP will be developed. The Consultant will undertake the following: (i) Estimation of financing requirements by subsector and timeframe. (ii) Assessment of the public and private financing opportunities. (iii)Identification of potential development partner and climate finance sources. (iv)Assessment of opportunities for private sector participation and PPP models. (v) Identification of financing gaps and constraints. (vi)Development of recommendations for investment mobilization and project preparation. The Consultant is expected to consider possible financing from the Marshall Islands’ public Budget; IFIs and MDBs; climate finance; green finance instruments; IPPs/PPP structures; and commercial finance sources. Task 6. Preparation of the policy reform and enabling actions roadmap The aim of this phase is to identify priority policy, regulatory, institutional, and implementation measures required to support delivery of the ESIP in practice in the Marshall Islands. The Consultant will undertake the following activities: (i) Identification of barriers affecting implementation of priority investments. (ii) Review of the investment-related policy and regulatory gaps. (iii)Assessment of permitting, procurement, and institutional coordination challenges. (iv)Identification of utility and institutional capacity needs. (v) Development of a phased roadmap of enabling actions and reforms. Task 7. Preparation of the E-Mobility investment and strategic framework This phase involves the assessment of implications of e-mobility development for the energy sector of the Marshall Islands and identifies the associated investment and implementation requirements.
The Consultant will undertake the following: (i) Review of the existing transport and e-mobility policies and initiatives. (ii) Assessment of the expected electricity demand implications of e-mobility uptake. (iii)Identification of charging infrastructure investment requirements. (iv)Assessment of the main grid and distribution system implications. (v) Identification of priority implementation actions and enabling measures. (vi)Development of a high-level e-mobility framework aligned with the ESIP. It is important to note that this framework is a targeted strategic and investment assessment linked specifically to the Marshall Islands’ energy sector, not a standalone national transport strategy. Task 8. Design of the ESIP monitoring and implementation framework This phase comprises the development of a framework for monitoring implementation progress and investment delivery. The Consultant will undertake the following activities: (i) Definition of the implementation monitoring indicators. (ii) Development of reporting and governance arrangements. (iii)Identification of institutional responsibilities. (iv)Establishment of investment tracking mechanisms. (v) Development of implementation milestones and review mechanisms. (vi)Preparation of proposals on periodic ESIP update procedures. It is anticipated that the monitoring and implementation framework will focus on the following key areas (and others, as appropriate): investment delivery; financing mobilization; renewable deployment; grid expansion; storage integration; e-mobility rollout; and resilience implementation. Task 9. Stakeholder engagement, consultations and results validation The Consultant will consult with and validate key assumptions and contents of the prepared ESIP with key stakeholders, as appropriate, and to ensure alignment, ownership, and validation of the ESIP. The Consultant will undertake the following activities: (i) Planning and moderation of a stakeholder workshop to present the overall project outputs. (ii) Realization of technical consultations as required, and consultations with MEC and the Marshall Islands government. (iii)Validation of prioritization and financing assumptions Task 10. Outer-island mini-grid concept design
This phase responds to the need to improve electricity supply on selected outer islands by developing concept- level designs for island mini-grids (and, where technically suitable, mesh-grid configurations). The concept
designs will inform and feed directly into the integrated IRRP (Task 2) and the energy sector investment pipeline (Task 3). The Consultant will undertake the following activities:
(i) Screening and prioritization of outer islands for mini-grid / mesh-grid intervention, based on agreed technical, demand, and socio-economic criteria.
(ii) Assessment of existing electricity supply, demand profiles, and renewable resource potential (in particular solar and storage) for the selected islands. (iii)Development of concept-level system configurations, including indicative generation, storage, and distribution sizing, and consideration of mini-grid versus mesh-grid architectures. (iv)Preliminary technical design and equipment specifications sufficient to support investment costing. (v) Indicative capital and operating cost estimates and implementation sequencing for each prioritized island. (vi)Integration of the resulting concept designs and associated investment needs into the integrated IRRP and the ESIP investment pipeline.
It is important to note that this task provides concept-level design to inform investment prioritization and costing, and does not extend to detailed engineering design or tender-ready documentation, which would be undertaken under subsequent project preparation. 6. Qualifications, Tasks, and Level of Effort of Specified Key Experts The Consultant shall propose a team adequate for the assignment. In its proposal, the Consultant shall specify: • Each proposed key personnel position; • The name of the proposed expert, where available; • Role and responsibilities; • Minimum and actual qualifications and detailed relevant experience; • Whether the input is international or national / local; • Whether the input is home office or field-based; • Estimated level of effort in person-days or person-months; and • Anticipated timing of deployment and deployment location(s). At a minimum, the Consultant is expected to consider inclusion of expertise and an indicative level of effort and split of on-site and remote deployment, as follows:
Expert Position
Key Tasks / Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications / Experience
Int’l / Nat’l
Team Leader / Senior Energy Sector Specialist
Overall project management and project coordination; lead stakeholder engagement and consultations. Provision of strategic oversight across all workstreams; ensure alignment with the Energy Strategy and IRRP; oversee preparation of all draft and final deliverables; coordinate quality assurance and reporting to the client.
Advanced degree in energy, engineering, economics, public policy, or related field. 10 years of relevant experience in energy sector planning, investment planning, or sector reform. Demonstrated experience
leading similar national- level energy sector
assignments. Strong stakeholder
coordination and report- writing experience.
International
Power System Planning and Renewable Energy Specialist
Review and validate the least-cost development pathway and investment assumptions. Assess renewable energy and storage deployment requirements; Support investment pipeline development and sequencing; Assess transmission, distribution, resilience, and grid integration requirements.
Support assessment of e- mobility impacts on the
power system.
Advanced degree in electrical engineering, energy systems, or related
field. At least 8 years of experience in power system planning, renewable energy integration, transmission/distribution planning, or energy modelling. Experience of national or utility-scale planning studies is preferred.
International
Energy Finance and Investment Specialist
Lead the development of the financing strategy; assess investment costs and financing requirements. Identify public and private financing options, climate finance opportunities, and PPP/IPP structures. Support investment prioritization and affordability assessment and investment mobilization recommendations.
Advanced degree in finance, economics, business, or related field. At least 8 years of experience in infrastructure finance, energy sector investment planning, project finance, or climate finance. Experience working with development finance institutions and private sector financing structures is advantageous.
International
Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Specialist
Assess policy, regulatory, and institutional barriers affecting implementation of priority investments. Support preparation of the enabling actions and policy reform roadmap. Assess institutional coordination and implementation arrangements. Support the development of the monitoring and implementation framework. Contribute to stakeholder engagement activities.
Advanced degree in law, public policy, economics, energy policy, or related field. At least 8 years of experience in energy sector policy, regulation, institutional reform, or utility governance. Experience supporting implementation-focused energy sector programs preferred.
International
Local Energy Sector /
Support local stakeholder coordination, data
Relevant degree in energy, engineering, economics,
National
Stakeholder Engagement Specialist
collection, institutional engagement, workshop organization, and review of local sector context. Facilitation of coordination with government agencies, utilities, and local stakeholders. Support in project logistics and consultation activities.
public administration, or related field. Minimum 5 years of local sector experience. Strong knowledge of the Marshall Islands’ energy sector institutions, policies, and stakeholder environment. Fluency in English and Marshallese is desirable.
7. Fees and Reimbursable Expenses As this engagement will be structured as a lump-sum contract, the Consultant shall submit a financial proposal (in addition to a technical proposal) that includes: • A total lump-sum price for the performance of the services, payable against the deliverables set out in Section VIII, supported by a breakdown of professional fees by each proposed expert and personnel category, indicating the applicable unit rates and estimated level of effort (person-months or person-days), provided for information purposes; and • Reimbursable expenses, included within the lump-sum price, covering any anticipated travel, accommodation, per diem, logistics, communications, and other project-related costs necessary for the performance of the services. The lump-sum price shall be inclusive of all costs necessary for the performance of the services. The Consultant shall clearly state the assumptions underlying the proposed costs and provide sufficient detail to allow MEC to assess the reasonableness of the proposed budget. 8. Deliverables The project has six (6) main deliverables, as follows: 1. Inception report. This deliverable will include confirmation of the project methodology, workplan, stakeholder engagement approach, data requirements, consultation schedule, and detailed approach for preparation of the ESIP. An Inception workshop will be conducted with MEC and other relevant stakeholders within 2 weeks from the Notice to Proceed to discuss the proposed program of activities and to seek feedback on improvements, which will be reflected in the inception report. 2. Sector assessment and planning review report. This will be a consolidated report covering: (i) targeted sector diagnostics; (ii) the results of the review and validation/update of the least-cost development pathway; (iii) assessment of renewable energy and storage deployment trajectories; and (iv) the assessment of e-mobility implications and associated investment needs. 3. Updated and integrated IRRP. This IRRP document will cover the full geographic extent of the Marshall Islands. It will include all relevant updates to the existing 2024 IRRP on Majuro, as well as Ebeye and Outer Islands. It will be an integrated and fully updated document. (The document may be prepared directly editing the existing (2024) IRRP document in MS Word version, with all revisions and additions shown in track change format).
4. Draft investment pipeline and financing strategy report. This report will cover the updated and prioritized investment pipeline; and the investment sequencing and indicative costing. Furthermore, the report will set out the proposed financing strategy and investment mobilization approaches; and the policy reform and enabling actions roadmap. It will also present the outer-island mini-grid and mesh-grid concept designs and their integration into the investment pipeline (Task 10). 5. Draft Energy Sector Investment Programme (Draft ESIP). This will be an integrated draft ESIP consolidating all technical analyses, investment priorities, financing approaches, implementation arrangements, the implementation monitoring framework, and stakeholder consultation outcomes for review and validation. 6. Final Energy Sector Investment Programme (Final ESIP). Final ESIP incorporating key stakeholder comments. It will include the finalized investment pipeline, financing strategy, implementation roadmap, the implementation monitoring framework, executive summary, and supporting annexes and presentation materials. 9. Contract Duration The contract duration is 12 months. The expected start date is estimated to be in September 2026.