STP Power Sector Recovery Project

closed

The objectives of the Power Sector Recovery Project for Sao Tome and Principe are to (i) increase renewable energy generation and (ii) improve the reliability of the electricity supply. There are four components to the project, the first component being support for electricity institutional reform and sector planning. This component will finance a combination of capacity building, action plans, road maps, and studies that will: (a) strengthen the capacity of the regulatory agency, and (b) ensure planning of optimum investments needed to develop the power sector in Sao Tome and Príncipe, from electricity generation to the effective connection of end users. Subcomponents include the following: reinforcement of the power sector regulatory agency; development of an integrated least cost power development plan; electricity demand forecast for Sao Tomé and Príncipe; and tariff study. The second component is the strengthening the operational performance and governance of EMAE. This component will comprise the preparation and endorsement of a Management Improvement Plan (MIP) for EMAE for a three-year period, focused on improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability of EMAE’s performance in the key operational areas of electricity supply, commercial functions, and management of corporate resources, with specific emphasis on better service quality and nontechnical loss reduction. The third component is the investing in enhanced reliability of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. This component will finance priority investments in the rehabilitation and potential expansion of the Contador small hydropower plant, the rehabilitation of the Contador evacuation line and medium voltage (MV) network, and the upgrading of existing low voltage (LV) network in selected districts of the country. Finally, the fourth component is the project implementation support. This component will finance project implementation support, including training for staff in AFAP, the project implementing agency, on procurement and fiduciary duties. Technical training, in particular on O&M issues, will be provided to EMAE technical staff supervising project implementation.