8. In Mali, over the last ten to fifteen years, a number of key achievements were made. Among them, the most important are the following: Technological achievements. A number of technologies have been tested with successful results (hydroelectric dams, solar photovoltaic pumping systems, public lighting, refrigeration, telecommunication systems, and water heaters among others). Additional promising technologies have been identified and are ready to be further developed (household biogas systems, industrial biogas systems, and biofuel production among others). Solar energy systems have been successfully introduced in the last decade, namely with the support of the World Bank (WB), the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the Rural Electrification Fund (REF). It is worth mentioning that nearly 10% of rural energy supply is nowadays provided by renewable energies.  Policy achievements. The GoM's vision and targets have been formulated in key policy papers. These are: (i) the National Energy Policy (2006); (ii) the National Strategy for the Development of Renewable Energies (2006); (iii) the National Strategy for the Development of Biofuels (2006); and (iv) the National Energy Sector Policy Letter (2009-2012). Institutional achievements. In recognition of the crosscutting dimension of energy, Mali has created and strengthened a number of institutions that play key roles in the development of the renewable energy sub-sector. The Prime Minister Cabinet is directly involved through the supervision of the Commission for Electricity and Water Regulations and of a number of departments and agencies. The National Energy Directorate (DNE) formulates national energy policies and ensures the coordination and technical supervision of regional and sub-regional departments. Electricity services are essentially provided by EDM and by local private energy companies supported by the AMADER and the Rural Electrification Fund. Other important institutions in the sector include the National Research Center for Solar and Renewable Energy (CNESOLER) and the National Agency for the Development of Biofuels (ANADEB). Environmental and Social achievements. Environmental and social impacts of energy projects follow standard national review procedures under the Ministry of Environment; safeguard frameworks acceptable to MDB requirements are in place for rural energy projects. A National Climate Change Strategy has been finalized in September 2011. Considerable potential for gender specific activities in rural electr