Update of the Electricity Production, Transport and Distribution Master Plan for 2045

Historically, Benin’s electrical energy supply has been heavily dependent on imports, with up to 98.5% coming from neighbouring countries. However, in 2020, the energy sector in Benin is undergoing significant changes, creating new definitions for the planning and operation of the electrical system and offering numerous opportunities for an energy transition in the country. These include increased imports from Nigeria, the construction of solar power plants, thermal BOOT projects, and the long-term rental of generators.

In this context, the production and transport master plan, originally prepared by iED Consult in 2014, required an update. After a competitive selection process, we were chosen to lead this update. Simultaneously, we developed the National Electrification Strategy, whose conclusions informed the electricity demand forecast for the Production, Transport, and Distribution Master Plan, projecting up to the year 2045.

As part of the mandate entrusted to us by the Ministry of Energy, we undertook the following activities:

• Study of Sector Documents: We collected and analyzed data from the perspective of electricity sector planning, conducting comprehensive economic and financial studies.
• Critical Review of the 2015 Master Plan: This involved analyzing the 2015 recommendations and reviewing the gap between those recommendations and the actual achievements.
• Update of the Demand Forecast: Using DAP software, we built on studies conducted between 2015 and 2020 to update three scenarios for 2045, covering energy, peak demand, losses, spatialization, and hourly load curves.
• Planning of Production, Transport, and Distribution Resources: We conducted an inventory of existing structures, optimized the production fleet using GAP software, and planned transport structures using the same tool.
• Implementation Plan: We provided a detailed description of the actions the Beninese authorities should undertake to follow the plan’s recommendations, particularly regarding investments in production and transport-distribution facilities.
• Training: We delivered training on key planning tools, including demand forecasting (DAP), production planning (GAP), and transport network modeling (NAP)