Faced with the increasing number of power outages in several West African countries, the West African Power Pool (WAPP) has broken its silence. In a statement published on June 10 in Calavi, Benin, the regional organization indicates that these disruptions are linked to a combination of factors simultaneously affecting several power grids in the sub-region.

According to WAPP, the situation stems in particular from high electricity demand, the unavailability of some major generating units, and seasonal factors impacting hydroelectric production. These constraints have led several Member States to implement load shedding programs to maintain the stability of their grids.

To limit the consequences of this energy crisis, transmission network managers and national electricity companies have taken exceptional measures to maintain the balance of electrical systems and reduce the impact of interruptions on populations and economic activities.

Despite these challenges, the WAPP emphasizes that regional electricity interconnections continue to play a crucial role. The organization states that cross-border electricity exchanges have, in several cases, reduced the extent of power outages and strengthened the resilience of national grids.

It also reveals that a record demand of more than 16,000 MW was recently recorded across the regional network.

This situation highlights the challenges facing West Africa in terms of energy supply. For WAPP, it primarily demonstrates the urgent need to accelerate investments in generation, transmission, and interconnection infrastructure to strengthen the region's energy security and support the increasing integration of renewable energy sources.

The organization also assures that it remains committed to working alongside its member states to guarantee, in the long term, a "more reliable, sustainable and resilient" electricity supply for the benefit of West African populations.