In Benin, as part of the PRERA project which IED is the project manager and financed by AFD, which aims to extend SBEE's electricity grids in the commune of Abomey Calavi and 81 villages in the Atlantic department, it is planned to electrify the lake village of Dakomey in the district of Ganvié 2, in the commune of So-Ava.

As the lake environment is a special area made up of floating villages on the water, in-depth studies had to be carried out by IED and the works company, in order to find an adequate technical solution to ensure the safety of the population and the integration of the electricity grids in a tourist environment whose preservation is sensitive, while respecting the standards in force.

The studies have thus made possible to define an innovative solution in Benin, with the construction of a 2.8 km HTA underground line and the installation of a tailor-made reinforced cable. This HTA line will cross navigable channels, at the bottom of the water, and the cable will be protected by cast iron shells. As for the low-voltage overhead grids, the use of composite supports proved to be appropriate for the sensitive natural environment of the area. These two technologies constitute a major technological innovation for the Beninese national network of the SBEE.

In addition, works in such an environment can only take place during the period of low water level, i.e. in a window of a few months between November and March, with specific logistical means such as, for example, the use of floating barges. The company began the works in December 2021 and the commissioning of the works is scheduled for March 2022 !

Energy statistics are critical to support data-driven decision making and policy development in the energy sector in Africa. They allow for the analysis of current and historical trends, but also lay the foundations for prospective analysis and integrated energy planning, approaches that have gained in importance as African governments begin to combine their energy sector development strategies with long-term considerations on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Despite their importance, many countries struggle to generate comprehensive, reliable and timely statistics as a result of lack of resources or capacity, limited availability of input data, or other challenges.

Supported by the African Energy Commission (AFREC), IED launched a project this month to assess these challenges and support the development of energy statistics capacity in African Union member states. 11 countries - Algeria, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe – were selected for participation in the four-month pilot phase of the project, which aims to develop a methodology that can be rolled out to other African Union member states in the future.

For each participating country, IED will undertake a diagnostic analysis through documentary analysis and stakeholder interviews, with the objective of developing a strategy and action plan to improve national energy statistics. Based on the findings of the diagnostic, IED will also develop a capacity building programme tailored to each country’s specific needs, composed of six short-term training courses.

The project kick-off was held via videoconference in early February and gathered energy statistics focal points from all 11 participating countries to discuss the project objectives and implementation programme, as well common challenges and visions for energy statistics development on the African continent. The focal points expressed strong enthusiasm for the project and are already participating actively in exchanges and diagnostic interviews with the consultants. Bravo to all of the statistics teams for the work you do and we look forward to working with you !

SUNREF Côte d'Ivoire is a system of loans and investment bonuses intended to finance Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy projects led by private sector actors.    Following SUNREF West Africa, AFD signed new guarantee agreements  with the banks  Société Generale CI and NSIA for the opening  of new green finance lines for a  total amount of €17 million.

In order to highlight the importance of mobilizing companies and the private sector in the energy transition, the Technical Assistance of the Sunref  program is entrusted  by AFD to the General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d'Ivoire. IED and GINGER-BURGEAP  have joined forces to support CGE-CI  in the coordination and animation of the program. In particular, it is planned to inform and support project leaders on the Sunref system and for the technical and financial set-up of their financing application files. The partner banks and CGE-CI will also be  made aware of the markets and technical devices of renewable energies and energy efficiency.

SUNREF CI Technical Assistance is scheduled  until January 2024.

Benefiting from the support of AFD - Agence Française de Développement,  IED (Innovation Energie Développement)  Consult has partnered with Artelys to support the strategic development of Cambodia's energy sector as part of its Long-Term National Strategy for Carbon Neutrality by 2050.

In line with the commitments adopted during the COP26 - UN Climate Change Conference, Cambodia submitted its strategy (LTS4CN) to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on 30 December 2021.

The Phnom Penh Post of January 01, 2022 relays this good news for the climate: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cambodia-one-just-49-countries-submit-climate-strategy-un