Exploring the Integration of a Regional Power Market in West Africa: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Energy Transition

This study explores the integration of a regional power market in West Africa, focusing on the technological, economic, environmental, and regulatory dimensions. West Africa is at a pivotal moment, with 75% of its power generation capacity under construction. The region faces two converging approaches to electrification: fossil fuel-based centralised grids and renewable energy-based decentralised micro-grids. The research examines the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and the Indian Ocean Islands Power Trade Sector (IOIPTS) to model three potential market scenarios, assessing their implications for sustainable energy transitions. Findings underscore the need for tailored regional integration models, robust regulatory frameworks, and investment in renewable energy to enhance energy security and foster sustainable socio-economic development in West Africa.