West Africa must harness diverse energy resources — Energy Commission

THE Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, has underscored the potential benefits of a unified approach to energy resource management saying there is the need for the West African sub-region to efficiently leverage its diverse energy resources to achieve competitive pricing and reliable energy supply.

He explained that the West African electricity market is characterised by a mix of energy resources, including natural gas, solar, hydro, wind, and other renewable energy sources, however, the distribution and utilisation of these resources vary significantly across the region.

He mentioned that some countries have an abundance of specific resources, while others face shortages and depend on imports, hence a common market for electricity in West Africa could leverage the strengths of each country’s energy resources and ensure a balanced and reliable supply across the region.

“In some countries we have excess of natural gas, solar energy, hydro, wind and many renewable energy resources that together if we put it in one basket and we operate in one common market, definitely the prices are going to be more competitive, affordable and there we will get enough energy to supply and develop.” he said.

9th ERERA forum

Mr Amonoo-Neizer who was speaking at a media briefing to announce the upcoming 9th ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA) forum scheduled to take place in Accra from July 24 to 25, 2024.

ERERA, the regulator of regional cross-border trade of electricity in West Africa is partnering the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and the Energy Commission to host the forum in Ghana for the second time.

The two-day forum on the theme: “Electricity Trade Security in ECOWAS Region: The Interplay between National Policies and Free Market Principles,” aims to harmonise diverse policies of each member country to ensure a seamless and efficient regional electricity market.

It will bring together about 15 delegations from all ECOWAS member countries to address the challenges faced in their respective countries, collaboratively develop strategies to enhance electricity supply security in the region, making electricity more affordable and reliable for the people of West Africa.

He affirmed Ghana’s support for the forum adding that “the forum is timely as it would address hurdles affecting electricity supply in the region. This is not the time for talk shops, but a period to take stock and make concrete decisions to move the continent to another level in its electricity generation.”

The West African electricity market has faced numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and political instability.

These factors have hindered the efficient distribution and utilization of the region’s energy resources. However, initiatives by regional bodies like ERERA are gradually fostering a more integrated and cooperative energy market.

Collaboration

The Chairman of ERERA, Kocou Laurant R. Tossou, urged member countries to collaborate with stakeholders to standardize policies and regulations for electricity trading and cross-border infrastructure.

He noted that importing electricity from neighboring countries was more cost-effective and stressed the need to create a strong regional market.

He added that, as the largest electricity consumers on the continent, these measures were essential for improving economic efficiency and ensuring reliable supply.

Equitable resource sharing

For his part, the Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr Ishmeal Ackah, pointed out significant disparities in the West African electricity market, with some countries experiencing surplus generation while others face shortages, leading to varied electricity tariffs.

He stressed the need for equitable resource sharing and economic benefits, and highlighted that the upcoming forum will address balancing national interests, security, and economic principles in electricity trading.