Study of the <i>N</i> − 1 Criterion (Loss of Power Plants) of Burkina Faso’s Interconnected Electrical Network Following the Injection of Energy from Photovoltaic Solar Power Plants

The study analyzes the resilience of Burkina Faso’s electrical network against failures, using the N − 1 security criterion. A network modeling for the 2021 horizon was carried out using Digsilent Power Factory software, incorporating planned solar installations. The simulations tested different failure scenarios to evaluate their impacts on voltage levels and short-circuit currents. The results show that the majority of simulated failures do not cause major problems, although the loss of interconnections is identified as the most critical scenario, causing overloads. Based on these conclusions, several recommendations were made: readjusting the protection devices, improving the network structure, and reinforcing points with overloads. This study takes place in a context of continuous expansion of Burkina Faso’s electrical network, driven by increasing energy demand due to economic development and industrialization of the country.