What does transmission mean for Africa’s energy transition?

As Sub-Saharan Africa stands at a crossroads in its energy evolution, the importance of transmission grids and networks cannot be overstated. The transition towards a sustainable energy future hinges not only on the availability of renewable resources but significantly on the efficiency and reliability of transmission systems. The World Energy Council’s Energy Trilemma framework—comprising energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability—provides a lens through which to examine the critical role of transmission in Africa's energy transition.

The energy trilemma: Transmission as a key component

Energy security

Energy security is the ability to have uninterrupted access to energy sources in a reliable, affordable, and sustainable way. Going by these metrics, it is clear that energy security in  Sub-Saharan Africa is severely compromised by inadequate transmission infrastructure. Many regions suffer from frequent power outages and unreliable supply, resulting in lost productivity and increased reliance on expensive backup generators. This scenario hampers economic growth, presents a huge risk to access to quality health care and places a significant burden on households and businesses alike.

There is no gain saying that strong transmission network can minimizes outages and disruptions by quickly rerouting electricity when certain lines or systems fail, thereby ensuring consistent availability of energy. In addition to benefit of  load balancing, a robust transmission system promotes energy security because it can integrate renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, as such, diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on single sources. Clearly, an efficient transmission network is essential for ensuring a stable, resilient, and accessible energy supply, and these are by every means foundational to energy security 

Energy equity

Energy equity is a pressing issue in Sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately 50% of the population lacks access to electricity and there can be no energy equity when over 600 million persons are left in the dark. The expansion of transmission lines into rural and underserved areas is essential for ensuring that all communities have equitable access to energy which in turn promotes socio economic equity because the transmission of electricity to these communities will support businesses growth, education and healthcare services. Transmission networks can help reduce disparities in electricity availability and pricing between different regions by distributing power from areas with abundant generation to regions with high demand with the objective of creating more uniform energy access and with economies of scale, improve affordability.

Given the significant cost of expanding transmission lines, Mini-grids and off-grid solutions can in the mean time, complement national infrastructure by empowering local communities and industries. These initiatives can provide reliable electricity without being tethered to a national grid that may be outdated or unreliable.

Environmental sustainability

The push for environmental sustainability is intrinsically linked to the capacity of transmission networks. An expanded and modernized grid is necessary to incorporate renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. With Sub-Saharan Africa boasting incredible solar potential, the challenge lies in harnessing this energy effectively. However, overloaded grids often prevent the integration of additional renewable energy, underscoring the need for enhanced transmission capacity. 

In addition, a viable transmission network can help reduce energy losses during long-distance transmission, which invariably  lowers overall energy demand, reduces the need for additional generation, thereby conserving natural resources. A stable transmission netwrok will have minimal need for backup fossil fuel-based power plants, thereby cutting green house gas emissions and optimizing energy use

Challenges facing Africa's transmission networks

Despite the potential for a transformative energy transition, Sub-Saharan Africa faces numerous challenges related to its transmission networks:

Inadequate infrastructure

One of the most pressing issues is the lack of high-quality transmission assets. Approximately nine countries in Sub-Saharan Africa lack transmission lines exceeding 100 kilovolts (kV). The total length of transmission lines in these nations is a mere 112,196 kilometers, which pales in comparison to Brazil’s 125,640 kilometers and the United States’ staggering 257,000 kilometers. The average investment requirement for the transmission sector is between $3.2 billion and $4.3 billion annually from 2015 to 2040, highlighting a significant funding gap. The diverse socio economic issues (e.g inflation, security concerns, inconsistent policies etc) bedevilling the African continent has further disincentivize potential investors from bringing in funds to bridge the transmission infrastructure deficit.

To improve energy security and equity, investments in upgrading and expanding existing transmission networks are vital. This includes increasing the capacity of the grid to handle diverse energy sources, particularly as countries pivot towards renewable energy solutions.

Distribution losses

Another major challenge is the high rate of distribution losses. Faulty equipment, lack of maintenance, adverse weather conditions, and illegal connections contribute to these losses, undermining the efficiency of existing systems. Electricity theft, whether through tampering with meters or non-payment, exacerbates this problem, creating a vicious cycle of unreliability and increased operational costs. Other times, transmission lines and equipments are sometimes targeted for theft or vandalism, especially in remote areas, which disrupts power supply.

Economic constraints

Many countries face economic challenges that limit their ability to invest in grid infrastructure. The low price of electricity often fails to cover the costs of maintenance and expansion, creating a disincentive for independent power producers (IPPs) to invest in grid enhancement. Additionally, debts owed to IPPs by governments can threaten the operations of these companies, further stalling progress. This is heightened by the fact the perceived risk that investments in transmission networks made may not be recouped

Technological and expertise gaps

The myth that Sub-Saharan Africa cannot achieve an energy transition due to a lack of infrastructure and expertise is a significant barrier to progress. While technical knowledge is crucial for developing, operating, and maintaining renewable energy systems, it is not a prerequisite for deployment. The rapid advancement of digital technology offers opportunities to build local expertise and streamline operations without relying heavily on external partners.

Solutions to bridging the transmission gap

To address the challenges facing transmission networks in Sub-Saharan Africa, a multifaceted approach is required:

Investment in infrastructure

Significant investments are needed to expand and modernize transmission networks. Governments, private investors, and international financial institutions must collaborate to secure funding. Innovative financing models, such as public-private partnerships in the form of whole or partial concessions, merchant transmission lines etc,, can help mobilize the necessary capital while minimizing risks for investors.

Emphasizing off-grid solutions

Mini-grids and off-grid solutions should be prioritized to reach rural and underserved populations whilst efforts are being made to expand the grid.. By empowering local communities to harness and manage their own energy resources, these initiatives can bypass some of the limitations of national infrastructure. Such solutions can also be tailored to local conditions, increasing their effectiveness and sustainability. Local cooperative models have proved to be a viable model, where members of a community jointly own the energy system and contribute to its operation and maintenance.

Enhancing reliability and efficiency

Improving the reliability of existing transmission systems is essential and must be done periodically . This can be achieved through routine maintenance that is monitored, upgrading aging infrastructure, and implementing smart grid technologies. These advancements can help reduce technical losses, improve management of renewable energy sources, and enhance the overall efficiency of the grid. This is critical given the poor maintenance culture of most African countries which has led to age long dilapidated grids.

Capacity building and knowledge transfer

To bridge the expertise gap, capacity-building initiatives should be a priority. Training local technicians and engineers will foster homegrown expertise and reduce dependency on external resources. Collaborations with international organizations can facilitate knowledge transfer and technological advancements that are contextually relevant.

Policy and regulatory frameworks

Establishing robust policy and regulatory frameworks can incentivize private sector investment in transmission networks. Transparent tariff structures, protection against electricity theft, clear regulations and consistent/ predictable policy direction can create a more favorable environment for IPPs and encourage their participation in grid expansion projects.

Conclusion

The future of energy in Sub-Saharan Africa is inextricably linked to the enhancement of transmission networks. As the region seeks to transition to a more sustainable energy paradigm, addressing the challenges of energy security, equity, and environmental sustainability through improved transmission infrastructure is critical. By investing in modernizing and expanding these systems, Sub-Saharan Africa can unlock its immense renewable energy potential and pave the way for economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards. This is because, electricity generated is useless if it there are no transmission networks to wheel the electrons to the demand centers,

Through innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, right political will and a commitment to sustainable practices, the region can overcome its challenges and emerge as a leader in the global energy transition. The journey is complex and may take time, but with a robust transmission framework, Africa’s energy future can indeed be bright.