Uninterruptible Power Supply in West Africa

Ghana, who got electricity supply from Nigeria, is one of the African countries with a stable power supply. Her electricity mix is ruled by hydropower, thermal energy and gas. This country is endowed with natural gas reserves which aids a proper power supply. Currently, this country has a high national electricity access of 85%.

West Africans are now moving in many directions to enhance their power systems. This report ofers an overview of the challenges and the great profusion of activity across the region. It should inform conversation at Nigeria Energy in Lagos (19-21 September) and at the Africa Energy Expo in Rwanda next year.

The West Africa Energy Program run by US AID's Power Africa division includes support for five solar projects which will provide about 150MW of electricity, including the Kodeni and Nagréongo solar plants in Burkina Faso and a 250MW solar / hydropower hybrid plant in Ghana.

The $1.6 billion multiphase West Africa Regional Electricity Market Program (WA-REMP), supported by the International Development Association (IDA), will address crucial electricity needs for households, industries, and medium-sized companies, as well as regional and national power sector institutions.

Africa's chronic power problems have escalated into a crisis affecting 30 countries. This tolls heavily on economic growth and productivity - Africa Infrastructure Knowledge Program Portal Africa's chronic power problems have escalated into a crisis affecting 30 countries. This tolls heavily on economic growth and productivity

If current trends continue, fewer than 40 percent of African countries will reach universal access to electricity by 2050. Per capita consumption of electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa) averages only 124 kilowatt-hours a year and is falling. The rate of consumption is barely 1 percent of that in high-income countries.