Multinational - Nigeria-Niger-Benin-Burkina Faso Power Interconnection Project

The Nigeria-Benin-Niger-Burkina-Faso Power Interconnection Project, also called the North Backbone Project, involves the construction of a 330 kV double-circuit line over 842 km with transformer substations. The project aims to help lift the following power sub-sector constraints in the countries of the hinterland: (i) the structural generation deficit relative to electricity demand; (ii) the high proportion of thermal electricity, whose cost price is relatively high and which contributes to harming the environment; (iii) the low financial capacity of national electricity companies; (iv) the very limited extent of the high voltage power transmission network, which is an obstacle to energy exchanges among ECOWAS countries; and (v) the low access of the population to electricity. Two double-circuit 450 MW lines will be installed. The project will allow for power exchange among the four countries and with neighbouring countries to which they are interconnected, as well as electrification of 394 localities situated along the line within a 5 km radius. Estimated to cost UA 514.55 million, the project will be implemented over five years (2018-2022).