To date, IRENA developed power system models uniquely calibrated for 47 African countries to represent their national power system and regional interconnections that help national energy planners to assess the possible least-cost pathways for 20 years into the future. The SPLAT Africa models are built on IRENA’s rich renewable energy database, comprising up-to-date data on technology cost and performance and resource potentials. SPLAT models are customised with national and regional analyses and their respective input data, allowing decision makers to assess investment options in light of specific policy goals. The future system prospects are analysed through a least-cost optimisation framework for energy supply, built using the MESSAGE software from the International Atomic Energy Agency. 

The models are developed primarily to provide a robust starting point for IRENA’s energy planning capacity building training programmes.

The models have also been used to develop a series of reports. The regional definitions are according to the regional power pool members. They are:

• Southern and Eastern Africa (2020)
• Southern Africa (2013)
• West Africa (2018 updates, 2013)
• Central Africa (2019)
• Five power pools (2015)
• Continental energy system (2015)

Request SPLAT model files used 

IRENA has undertaken energy planning training programmes at the regional and national levels. The training focuses on the development and application of calibrated SPLAT models for defining and undertaking energy planning scenarios, as well as developing a national energy masterplan document.

For more information on IRENA's expertise, see:

Capacity building activities: National Energy Master Plan Development; Regional training workshops

Perspectives for the energy transition: Investment needs for a low-carbon energy system

This joint study looks at the potential for decarbonisation in the energy sector in G20 countries and around the world. Chapter 3, “Global Energy Transition Prospects and the Role of Renewables”, highlights findings from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

• March 2017
• |
• Climate Change, Energy Transition
• |
• English

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