Mali’s comprehensive electricity network upgrade
Mali will receive over $200 M for its electricity network upgrade to improve reliability and access.
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Mali, Bamako: Mali will receive over $200 M for its electricity network upgrade to improve reliability and access.
The World Bank announced that it had approved $157 M in financing from the International Development Association to support Mali’s electricity network.
The money is earmarked to “improve the reliability and efficiency of the electricity system, increase access to electricity in areas selected from the project, and facilitate the integration of renewable energies.”
The project has received $43 M in co-financing from Green Climate.
The International Trade Administration said electricity production in Mali is dominated by hydraulic and diesel sources.
“Although Mali is endowed with plentiful solar and hydro potential, it currently only has about 310 MW of installed capacity to serve a population of around 18 million people. Mali currently imports 50 MW from Cote d’Ivoire and has approximately 90 MW of off-grid production. Electricity demand is growing at about 12 % per year, exacerbating the shortage of supply and worsening the challenge the government faces in trying to close the gap.”
The World Bank said “this support will increase the evacuation capacity of the electricity transmission network in Bamako by at least 100 MW. The Electricity System Reinforcement and Access Expansion Project Yelen Sira will finance key grid infrastructure and new connections through the upgrading and expansion of the transmission and distribution grids in certain areas, including Bamako and its surroundings.”
The World Bank said the installation of green mini-grids and the electrification of selected localities in rural areas are also planned.
Clara de Sousa, World Bank Country Director for Mali, said Yelen Sira’s investments will have an immediate impact on the quality and cost of electricity services in Mali.
“By leveraging technological developments in off-grid electrification and business models, the project is creating economic opportunities and improving access to social services such as health, education, cold storage, and solar water pumping in remote areas.”
Source: ESI Africa
#electricity network upgrade#Green Climate#World Bank#Yelen Sira