Continental Clean Energy & Grid Modernization Program

A program to strengthen electricity reliability through diversified generation, transmission reinforcement and distribution modernization. The program is at NBP-2 on the NBP readiness ladder and is recorded at concept confidence. Scope, cost and structure remain subject to the studies listed below.

Electricity reliability constrains industrial productivity and raises the cost of operating essential services. Where supply is interrupted, enterprises install private generation, which is more expensive per unit and increases emissions.

Improve the reliability and affordability of electricity supply so that households, health facilities, industry and digital infrastructure can operate without interruption.

Assess a coordinated program combining hydropower optimization, utility-scale and distributed solar, storage, and transmission and distribution reinforcement. Technology selection follows technical, environmental and financial feasibility rather than preference.

• Hydropower optimization
• Utility-scale solar generation
• Distributed solar
• Battery energy storage
• Transmission reinforcement
• Distribution modernization
• Mini-grids for unserved areas
• Energy efficiency programs

Location: Multi-country, Africa

Households, health and education facilities, industrial and commercial users, and digital infrastructure operators.

• Technical scope to be established through pre-feasibility study
• Design standards to follow applicable national and international codes
• Environmental and social screening prior to design finalisation

• Transmission capacity
• Land availability
• Regulatory framework
• Technical skills
• Financing capacity

Regional power demand growth and falling solar and storage costs have changed the economics of diversified generation. Grid capability, not generation cost, is now typically the binding constraint.

Delivery and ownership structure to be determined at commercial structuring (NBP-6). Options include public delivery, partnership structures and concession models, assessed against value for money and risk allocation.

To be determined. Suitable capital categories will be assessed at NBP-6 and NBP-7 against the project’s risk profile and revenue characteristics.

Revenue and sustainability model under development. Where user charges are not viable, availability-based or budget-funded models will be assessed.

Classification: To be assigned following environmental and social screening.

Environmental assessment will be completed to the standard required by national regulation and applicable lender policy before any commitment is sought.

Social assessment will address land, livelihoods, resettlement risk, community consultation and equitable access to the resulting service.

1. 1Concept developmentCurrentScope, beneficiaries and components defined at concept level.
2. 2Pre-feasibilityNextTechnical and commercial viability tested at order-of-magnitude level.
3. 3FeasibilitySubsequentFull technical, financial, environmental and social case established.
4. 4Structuring & financingSubsequentDelivery model settled and capital matched to the opportunity.