National Solar & Energy Storage Program

A program assessing utility-scale and distributed solar generation paired with storage, to add dispatchable capacity where the grid can accept it. The program is at NBP-1 on the NBP readiness ladder and is recorded at concept confidence. Scope, cost and structure remain subject to the studies listed below.

Solar generation alone shifts rather than solves an evening peak. Without storage, additional solar capacity delivers limited reliability benefit.

Add generation capacity that can be deployed quickly and sited close to demand, reducing transmission losses and improving supply during peak periods.

Study paired solar and storage deployments at sites selected for grid acceptance capacity, irradiance and land availability, with mini-grid options for areas the grid does not reach.

• Utility-scale solar arrays
• Battery energy storage
• Distributed rooftop solar
• Mini-grid systems
• Grid connection works

Location: Multi-country, Africa

Grid-connected consumers, off-grid communities, and industrial users requiring reliable daytime supply.

• 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

• Grid acceptance capacity
• Land availability
• Regulatory framework for independent generation
• Technical operations skills

Solar and battery costs have fallen substantially over the past decade, altering which configurations are financially viable in the region.

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.