ECOWAS unveils strategy to transform West Africa’s vast energy resources into reliable power supply

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has outlined a regional strategy aimed at converting West Africa’s abundant energy resources into reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity, as the region continues to face chronic power shortages despite its vast energy potential.

The roadmap was presented by Koumoin Arbaduis, Acting Head of Conventional Energy at the ECOWAS Directorate of Energy and Mines, during the ongoing delocalised joint meeting of the Committees on Energy and Mines; Infrastructure; and Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources of the ECOWAS Parliament in Dakar.

Speaking on “ECOWAS Regional Energy Policies and Key Energy Statistics,” Arbaduis highlighted the paradox confronting the region, noting that while West Africa is richly endowed with oil, natural gas, biomass resources, uranium, mineral coal and an estimated 25,000 megawatts of hydroelectric potential, millions of people still lack access to reliable electricity.

He identified inadequate power generation capacity, low electricity access rates, high technical and commercial losses, costly electricity generation and transmission systems, and overreliance on petroleum products as major obstacles hindering energy development across member states.

According to him, ECOWAS has responded to these challenges through a series of regional policies and frameworks designed to strengthen energy cooperation, expand access and promote sustainable development.

Arbaduis recalled that the region’s first comprehensive energy policy was adopted in 1982 in response to the global oil crises of the 1970s.

The policy laid the groundwork for cooperation among member states in energy supply, power grid integration and petroleum exploration.

He explained that the 2003 ECOWAS Energy Protocol further strengthened regional collaboration by establishing a legal framework for long-term investment, trade and cooperation in the energy sector.

The protocol also provided the foundation for the development of the West African Power Pool, a regional initiative aimed at integrating national electricity networks.

To tackle energy poverty in rural communities, he noted that ECOWAS and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) adopted a White Paper in 2006 focused on expanding access to electricity and modern energy services in rural and peri-urban areas.

Arbaduis said the regional bloc deepened its commitment to clean energy in 2013 with the adoption of the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy and the Energy Efficiency Policy.

“The measures seek to increase the contribution of renewable energy to the region’s electricity mix, reduce energy losses and improve access to cleaner cooking technologies”, he said.

He added that ECOWAS also adopted the Bioenergy Policy and the Policy for Gender Mainstreaming in Energy Access in 2017, reflecting the organisation’s determination to ensure that energy development remains inclusive and beneficial to all segments of society.

According to him, the gender policy recognises the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for women and men in the planning, implementation and benefits of energy projects across the region.

On emerging energy opportunities, Arbaduis highlighted the ECOWAS Green Hydrogen Policy Framework and Strategy adopted in 2023.

 The initiative, he said, seeks to position West Africa as a globally competitive producer and exporter of green hydrogen, with a target of producing at least 500,000 tonnes annually by 2030.

He further disclosed that ECOWAS adopted an updated Energy Policy in July 2023 to address evolving economic realities, technological advancements and climate-related challenges.

The revised policy focuses on improving energy governance, achieving universal access to affordable and reliable electricity, diversifying energy sources, promoting energy efficiency and expanding access to clean cooking solutions across member states.

Arbaduis said the ultimate goal of the regional energy agenda is to build “a community with access to modern, reliable and sustainable energy services for improved living standards and socio-economic development.”

The presentation formed part of discussions at the five-day delocalised parliamentary meeting, which commenced on June 15 under the theme: “Harnessing Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification and Empowerment of Rural Economies in the ECOWAS Region: The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament.”