Power Punch The West African Power Pool (WAPP) by omiesam October 30, 2023 written by omiesam Electricity demands in West African countries have rapidly increased over the last decades. However, meeting these demands has been a formidable challenge for the region. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) estimated electricity demand to double its present levels by 2030 with an average annual growth rate of 6%. This situation is why the ECOWAS heralded the pool of power resources in the region to facilitate cross-border electricity trade. WAPP: a specialised institution? ECOWAS member states established the WAPP to curtail regional power deficits in 2000. By 2006, The ECOWAS Heads of State and Government adopted the Article of Agreement in Niamey, which recognised WAPP as a specialised institution. The ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), in conjunction with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), was established to develop a functional model on system reliability and electricity market design to provide market operations standards based on the existing national electricity markets within the ECOWAS region. This structure allows member and non-member states to retain regulatory sovereignty over their national grids and cross-border interconnectors. A cursory examination of WAPP’s institutional set-up also reveals this intention. The WAPP was designed to augment and not replace domestic electricity markets and systems. Existing WAPP projects Several inter-country electricity trading have been launched since WAPP’s inception in 2006. Some of these WAPP projects include: Birnin Kebbi (Nigeria) – Niamey (Niger Republic) – Ougadougou (Burkina Faso) – Bemebreke (Benin Republic) 330KV WAPP North Core Transmission Project. 2nd Line 330KV Ikeja West (Nigeria) – Sakete (Benin Republic) Transmission Line. The Organisation of the Development of the River Senegal line connecting Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania to a hydropower plant in Senegal enabled trading from 2002. The Organisation for the Development of the Gambia River linked the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and Senegal. However, these cross-border electricity markets were inefficient due to three primary reasons. First, there were no clear regional market rules. Secondly, electricity supply contracts were not securitised but politicised. Thirdly, the limited reach of the market resulted in more discrepancies between countries engaged in trading and those not. To resolve these discrepancies, WAPP consolidated regional market rules and processes in 2015 to harmonise and launch the regional electricity market (REM) three years later. WAPP: from a Nigerian lens Nigeria’s liberalisation of its electricity market impacts the feasibility of WAPP. Although WAPP has recorded several milestones, such as the synchronism of the interconnected system to advance works on the 225 kV Cote d’Ivoire – Liberia – Sierra Leone – Guinea interconnection project. The Nigerian state governments’ legal authority to create their state electricity laws and markets makes coordination more bureaucratic and complex. The Electricity Act 2021 devolved powers to the states because of the poor coordination of market processes at the federal level. Therefore, advancing a West African regional pool would involve a circle back to central coordination, which is unlikely. Thus, even though the institution has presented its objective as primarily technical rather than political, coordinating market processes for the power pool may become more bureaucratic and complex as states exercise their regulatory autonomy. A West Africa Power Pool is beneficial due to the significant economies of scale advantages. However, achieving WAPP’s infrastructural objective(s), though presented as purely technical, also necessitates political balancing and will from member and non-member states. October 30, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch The Role of States in Electricity Generation and Energy Transition by davidomata September 21, 2023 written by davidomata The most recent constitutional amendment, specifically the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 33, 2022 (on the National Grid System – Part I & II, Second Schedule), received unanimous approval from both Chambers of the National Assembly on March 1, 2022. This amendment grants individual states the authority to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within areas already integrated into the national grid. President Buhari formalized this amendment by affixing his signature on March 17, 2023. This constitutional amendment presents a significant opportunity to enhance the implementation of the national energy transition plan. It provides a means to enhance energy accessibility and leverage the diverse resources available across the states to optimize Nigeria’s energy mix composition. Domestication of the National Energy Transition PlanWhile Nigeria has an established national energy transition plan, it is imperative for individual states to seamlessly integrate and domesticate this plan within their medium and long-term policy frameworks. Each state boasts a distinctive energy landscape with varying renewable energy resources, infrastructural capabilities, and energy consumption patterns. Through a judicious alignment of the national plan with their specific circumstances, states can strategically optimize their transition endeavours and leverage their available resources through several avenues, such as: • Harnessing Abundant Renewable ResourcesNigeria has many renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. States must conduct thorough assessments to identify and capitalize on their indigenous resources. For instance, states in the northern region can tap into the abundant solar potential. Those in the coastal areas can also explore offshore wind and marine energy options. By strategically deploying renewable energy technologies, states can drastically reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions while electrifying their communities and improving access. • Strengthening Grid InfrastructureA robust and reliable grid infrastructure is the backbone of any successful energy transition. States must invest in upgrading and expanding their transmission and distribution networks to accommodate the increased integration of renewable energy sources. Smart grid technologies, energy storage solutions, and microgrid systems can enhance grid resilience, ensuring a stable and consistent energy supply. • Promoting Energy Efficiency MeasuresImproving energy efficiency is a cornerstone of any sustainable energy strategy. States can implement policies and initiatives to reduce energy wastage in various sectors, including industrial, residential, and commercial. These actions may involve incentivizing energy-efficient technologies, implementing building codes, and encouraging adoption of energy-saving practices. • Encouraging Private Sector ParticipationStates should actively engage with the private sector to attract investments and expertise in renewable energy projects. Public-private partnerships can accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies, creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive while contributing to the state’s energy transition goals. • Fostering Research and InnovationInvesting in research and developing clean energy technologies is paramount to advancing the energy transition. States can establish research centres, collaborate with academic institutions, and incentivize innovation hubs to drive technological advancements in energy generation and renewable energy technologies. • Prioritising Education and AwarenessEducating the public about the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency is crucial for garnering support and participation. States can implement awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational programs to empower communities with the knowledge and skills to embrace sustainable energy practices. ConclusionBy capitalizing on this unique opportunity, states have the potential to steer the nation towards a sustainable and prosperous energy future. States can enhance energy generation and efficiency through thorough strategic planning, harnessing local resources, and cultivating innovation. This collaborative effort promises to construct a cleaner and more resilient energy landscape, ensuring a brighter future for future generations. September 21, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
