Energy related Strategic Environmental Assessment applied by Multilateral Development Agencies — An analysis based on good practice criteria

•MDAs are fostering the use of SEA in developing countries.•SEA is applied late by MDAs and needs to enhance its strategic dimensions.•ToRs and SEA reports needs to better comply with key aspects of SEA•We've found no evidences that SEA applied by MDAs is contributing to better decisions.

Multilateral Development Agencies (MDAs) have been emerging as responsible for the widespread of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) application in low and middle income countries. However, the effectiveness of SEA, as practiced by MDAs, has received limited attention in literature so far. This paper aims to analyse the use of SEA by MDAs in the context of loan agreements established between these countries. Based on documentation gathered in public databases, six energy related cases were reviewed in relation to the moment that SEA started, the strategic dimensions of proposed actions, compliance with key aspects of SEA, and also to the quality of SEA reports. Results indicate a number of aspects that should be improved in order to increase SEA effectiveness: SEA is starting after relevant decisions, is applied to actions without clear definition of strategic dimensions and lacks a systematic assessment of alternatives. Regarding the quality of SEA reports, the outcomes reveal a poor quality in baseline description, development and assessment of alternatives and public participation.