The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was supposed to periodically evaluate its energy assistance, but avoided such scrutiny (as it is standard practice in the hydropower sector). In an unusual step, the government's Auditor General Office carried out an in-depth assessment of the assistance, which it submitted to parliament on June 25. The findings of the audit are highly critical. The Auditor General states: "Norwegian assistance to clean energy has not led to a noticeable increase in power generation and has contributed little to improving living conditions for the poor in those countries that have been prioritized for such support."

An unofficial translation of the audit report's main chapter is available at: www.internationalrivers.org/files/attached-files/norway_oag_report_trans...