WA-REMP MPA Phase II: Regional Electricity Access and Generation Support

pipeline

The proposed Project will help The Gambia reach universal electricity access and Togo make a major leap towards universal electricity access. It will accelerate on-grid electricity access while enabling the development of regional-scale renewable energy generation and supporting reforms for sustainability. It will provide new distribution networks and electricity service, more enabling country frameworks for private sector involvement on renewable generation, and enhanced implementation capacity. Supported activities can be grouped in three components.Component 1—On-Grid Electricity Access—will accelerate access to on-grid electricity service through (1) the densification of distribution networks in partially electrified communities and (2) the extension of distribution networks in unelectrified communities. The densification of distribution networks (Subcomponent 1.1) will involve supplying and installing low voltage cables and meters to provide electricity to households, schools, health centers, and small businesses in communities where distribution networks already exist, but households are unable to afford connection. The extension of distribution networks (Subcomponent 1.2) will consist of supplying and constructing medium and low voltage distribution networks; installing service drops and (prepaid) meters; and providing supervisory engineering services, to connect households, schools, health centers, and small businesses in over 800 communities with electricity network and service. Feasibilities studies are ongoing to firm up the list of targeted communities, provide preliminary design, and later determine the network paths.Component 2—Renewable Energy Generation Support—will support the development of regional scale renewable energy generation through a private public partnership approach to leverage private investments. It comprises two subcomponents. Subcomponent 2.1 will provide technical assistance to (i) enhance country legal, regulatory, policy, and public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks and (ii) improve power utilities’ financial viability. Subcomponent 2.2 will provide transaction advisory services—covering financial, technical, and legal support—in the Gambia and Togo for the development of regional-scale solar power plants (100 MW in the Gambia and 150 MW in Togo) in consultation with MIGA and IFC.Component 3—Institutional Strengthening and Implementation Support—will enhance country and regional institutional capacity and enable adequate project coordination and implementation. Subcomponent 3.1 will provide resources to country project implementation unit for adequate project execution and help country energy ministries to develop a geospatial-based monitoring system to track achievement of electricity access and renewable energy targets. Subcomponent 3.2 will strengthen the ECOWAS Regional Coordination Unit (RCU)’s project coordination, technical assistance, and learning functions; and enhance the capacity of the regional energy regulator (ERERA).