Transmission and interconnections – towards a Continental System Master Plan

From every possible perspective, the African continent needs more transmission infrastructure and cross-border interconnections. This is essential for the hundreds of millions still without access to power of any kind, and to make sure that when it comes this power is sustainable and affordable for all.

After years of glacial progress, the continent’s power pools are advancing a scheme to unite the whole of Africa in a Continental System Master Plan. This online roundtable will evaluate progress to date and consider the impact which this plan will have on African electricity supply industries.

The roundtable, part of the monthly AIX membership programme, will be chaired by African Energy's John Hamilton with contributions from guests.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Progress at key transmission interconnections across Africa and the market opportunities they are expected to open up in terms of both supply and demand.  Progress has been slow on many projects but some are now funded and going ahead.
• The Continental System Master Plan (CMP) – This giant modelling and planning exercise still has some way to run. What difference will the unprecedented application of consistent modelling techniques across the whole continent make to our understanding of our own industry. And how will electricity supply industries across Africa respond?
• How are current interconnection projects being financed, and what the prospects for introducing new financing models to bring in private capital and overcome dependence on weak national utilities? 
   

The meeting is free for all AIX members and African Energy subscribers

A recording of the event will be made available to all participants.