GE Vernova Introduces GridOS® Software to Enhance West African Power Pool’s Energy Coordination
GE Vernova has deployed its GridOS® orchestration software at the newly established Information and Coordination Centre (ICC) in Abomey-Calavi, Benin, to support the West African Power Pool (WAPP) initiative. This development is poised to transform the energy sector in West Africa, facilitating power exchange across 14 ECOWAS nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The ICC, equipped with advanced grid management technologies, serves as the centralized command center for overseeing the interconnected power grids of these nations. It aims to create a more unified power market, ensuring a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy supply across the region. By using GE Vernova’s GridOS software, the ICC can better manage energy dispatching, grid stability, and power trading, enhancing coordination among the ECOWAS member states.
The initiative aligns with the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) forecast that Africa’s electricity consumption will double by 2040, driven by a 4.6% average annual GDP growth. The ICC’s state-of-the-art systems, including GE Vernova’s Energy Management System (EMS) and Wide Area Monitoring System (WAMS), ensure effective energy management, helping to meet the region’s growing demand for electricity. Additionally, the integration of GE’s forecasting tools aids in maximizing the use of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE), allowing for improved energy flow and distribution across the interconnected network.
Mahesh Sudhakaran, General Manager for GE Vernova’s Grid Software business, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Our GridOS portfolio provides the ICC with modern software capabilities to automate grid operations and help increase the energy transaction rate across the region.” This collaboration marks another milestone in GE Vernova’s efforts to support Africa’s energy transition, following similar projects like the Southern African Power Pool’s (SAPP) Coordination Control Center established in November 2022.
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By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering regional cooperation, GE Vernova and WAPP aim to bridge the energy gap in West Africa, enabling a more resilient and efficient power supply.
