Quarterly Progress Report: West Africa Energy Program (WAEP)

The program is implemented by Deloitte Consulting LLP under Task Order No. 720-674-19-D-00008, with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). During the reporting period from January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2021, the WAEP team concluded a successful webinar series to assist utilities and regulators navigate and mitigate the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on their operations. The team also continued the Work-From-Home (WFH) system, which involved remote work and communication with all stakeholders. The WAEP management team evaluated the progress and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic across the region and monitored the situation to determine when a return to office would be possible. The team collaborated with West African Power Pool (WAPP), a key counterpart, to accelerate the regional power market by delivering technical assistance and capacity building to their Information and Communication Center (ICC) and Planning, Investment Programming & Safeguards (PIPES) Department. The WAEP team delivered three final reports on Transaction Action Plans for Project Management Units (PMUs), Transmission Roadblocks, and Non-Sovereign Transmission Financing Options for West Africa. The team also engaged the utility company of Senegal, SENELEC, to commence the delivery of Energy Demand Forecasting, with a kick-off session held on March 19, 2021. The WAEP facilitated an EUR18 million loan commitment to the Chad's 40 MW project under the Deserts-to-Power (DtP) intervention. However, the recent transition of government may delay this project. The team obtained consent to support the Ministry of Energy (MOE) of Togo's Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), fuel strategy advisory, and hydropower assessment, which will facilitate grid connections. The WAEP also completed a review of nine documents related to production, transportation, and distribution of electricity at the request of the Chadian energy sector regulator. This support will strengthen the sector's regulatory framework. The WAEP's key achievements during the reporting period include: * Collaborating with WAPP to accelerate the regional power market * Delivering technical assistance and capacity building to WAPP's ICC and PIPES Department * Engaging SENELEC to commence Energy Demand Forecasting * Facilitating an EUR18 million loan commitment to the Chad's 40 MW project under the DtP intervention * Obtaining consent to support the MOE of Togo's PPA, fuel strategy advisory, and hydropower assessment * Completing a review of nine documents related to production, transportation, and distribution of electricity The WAEP's key events and achievements demonstrate the program's commitment to strengthening internal operations and fostering regional interconnection and growth in the energy sector.