As electricity demand surges across Africa, enhancing transmission infrastructure has become essential to meet future energy needs. An estimated US$400 billion is required to upgrade transmission and distribution networks by 2050, according to a report by McKinsey & Company.
The “optimising Africa’s grid capacity” panel discussion during African Energy Week 2024, currently underway in Cape Town, included Eskom’s Transmission Group Executive, Segomoco Scheppers, who said the new Electricity Regulation Amendment Act 38 of 2024 could play a pivotal role. The Act is expected to enable establishment of a market operator in South Africa, promoting diversity and competition within the energy sector. “This shift marks a transformative period in our industry as we adapt to changing market dynamics,” Scheppers said.
To enhance cross-border cooperation, it is crucial to strengthen South Africa’s existing interconnections, via a 400 kV network, with neighbouring countries, Scheppers acknowledged. “Heavy reliance on thermal power in the south, to support countries like Zambia, highlights the importance of stronger interconnections for regional stability.”
Eskom is also advancing domestic infrastructure expansion. This ambitious move poses substantial challenges. Learning from infrastructure initiatives in China could offer valuable insights into effective scaling, Scheppers said.
China’s state grid representative in Africa, Wang Wenan, pointed to the success of major projects, such as the 500 kV DC transmission line linking Ethiopia and Kenya, as models for long-distance power transmission. However, private-sector involvement is a key challenge in African energy projects. “Addressing investment barriers and sharing best practices is essential for growth,” he said.
In East Africa, where renewable resources like wind, solar and geothermal are abundant, transmission remains a critical issue. New legislation to promote private investment in transmission is expected by 2025. Collaboration between state utilities and private investors to deliver power to emerging green industries is needed, said Willy Ireri, Executive Director of Osprey Renewables. “Our role extends across the value chain and we’re seeing interest in green manufacturing and hybrid data centres.” He pointed to Kenya’s invitation for independent transmission projects as a promising step towards private-sector participation.
Outdated grid systems also need to be modernised. “The traditional grid was designed for one-directional flow. Today, we need a bidirectional grid to allow interaction between producers and consumers,” said Gary Lawrence, President of Schneider Electric’s Power and Grid segment. Collaborative projects, including Schneider’s work with Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, aim to enhance grid intelligence and optimise distributed energy management in South Africa.
