The implementation strategy of the WAPP assumes the realisation of distinct but mutually complementary infrastructure sub-programmes which, when realised, will result in an integrated efficient electricity system in West Africa. The WAPP Regional Solar Power Park Project in Mali of potential capacity 150 MW features prominently among the Priority Projects. The Project is scalable, multiphase and multisite.
Three sites are selected, namely Fana, Bougouni and Sanankoroba around Bamako. The project objectives are to:
• Reduce the demand-supply imbalance within the ECOWAS sub-region and augment the renewable energy component in the regional energy mix
• Develop and realization of key priority infrastructure that permit the accessibility to economic and sustainable energy resources, to all Member States of ECOWAS
• Augment the portion of Renewables (Solar, Wind) in the regional energy mix.
The hydroelectric development sites on the Lobaye are located in the South-West of the Central African Republic (CAR), in the locality of M’baïki, 100 km from Bangui. This location is par excellence favorable to the supply of electricity to border countries such as the Republic of Congo in its North-Eastern part, the DRC in its equatorial part (the city of Libengué and its surroundings). The Lobaye project, with an installed capacity of 60 MW. The project objectives are to:
• For the Central African Republic – Interconnection with the Boalibangui system, interconnection with the lines from DimouI, and Inga – Supply the Prefecture de Mbïaand the forestry and mining companies which are located there
• For the Republic of Congo: – Supply the towns and new villages and Betou – Supply the forestry companies established in the region
• For the DRC – Supply the town of LIBENGE and its surroundings.
The overall objective of the project is to generate 11,050 MW at the Inga site by building a hydropower plant with transmissions lines within DRC and across borders. Transmission lines are designed to connect with South Africa through SAPP power lines. In the western part of the DRC, transmission lines could link with Nigeria and Angola. In particular the project will:
• Contribute to increased power interconnections across Africa
• Facilitate trade in power between SAPP and DRC
• Promote economic development in the DRC, SAPP, Central African Power Pool and WAPP
• Contribute to job creation in DRC and all powerful countries involved in the project.
The project involves conducting the feasibility studies in respect of the design, development, operation and maintenance of a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission scheme that will deliver 5,000 MW of electricity to South Africa under the Inga 3 Low Head Project. The HVDC transmission Scheme will traverse Zambia, Zimbabwe and/or Botswana (Transit Countries). The project objectives are to:
• Undertake feasibility studies in respect of the design, development, operation and maintenance of a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission scheme from DRC to South Africa, going through Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
A Direct Current Transmission Line to transmit 2 000 MW with 1 000 K.V. Voltage from Cairo (Egypt) to Khartoum and Gedaref (Sudan), as the first phase of the giant electrical interconnection grid parallel to the continental road Cairo – Cape Town which is suggested to use a mixture of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) solutions according to the results of technical and economic feasibility studies. The project objectives are to:
- Create a harmonised Integrated Continental Transmission Network (ICTN)
- Integrate and create the EAPP electricity market, which is an important step in the attainment of the goal to establish the Africa.
- Single Electricity Masterplan (AfSEM) through the Continental Power Systems Masterplan (CMP)
