IRENA Regional Model Analysis & Planning Support Programme: Central Africa Phase 2: Workshop 1

In partnership with the Central Africa Power Pool (CAPP), IRENA has launched a second phase of regional training on energy model analysis and planning for CAPP countries.

This 2022 programme builds on the first phase of the IRENA-CAPP Regional Model Analysis & Planning Programme, in which about 50 technical planning experts from seven CAPP member states participated in regional training sessions to enhance energy planning capacity and develop national capacity expansion scenarios with the IRENA SPLAT-MESSAGE modelling framework. This second phase of the programme aims to further the training of CAPP members on the long-term power sector modelling with a focus on regional application. The training includes participation of around 70 national ministry and utility planning experts from all 11 regional countries, and consists of over 65 hours or practical training. As part of the programme, a consolidated regional study will also be developed, which may be used as the basis for the region’s first power sector masterplan.

The implementation of the programme is integrated with the ongoing development of the African Continental Power Systems Master Plan (CMP), which is led by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA) and which IRENA is supporting as a modelling partner.

This 1st workshop aimed to provide advanced training on modelling concepts and issues related to regional planning, such as: methodological issues related to model input harmonisation, interconnections and electricity trade; expected changes to national model results after regional optimisation; how to assess the benefits of regional trade; inter alia. Further training on SPLAT-MESSAGE inputs and results were integrated into the workshop. Following this workshop, IRENA staff will update the regional modelling with any necessary changes or expansions. An element of higher-level consultation with CAPP member state representatives regarding plausible regional scenarios will be integrated into this stage of the programme.

Meeting was closed, by invitation only.