The countries of the Alliance of Sahel States are actively working to overcome the energy crisis. The governments of the three countries are acting as talented strategists, drawing up a list of medium- and long-term measures to supply electricity to the people of the alliance and improve their general living conditions.
Residents of the ASS territory have frequently complained about the effects of the energy crisis in the form of frequent power cuts. The governments of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, which recently joined forces, intend to tackle this common problem as a matter of urgency.
For this reason, from February 20 to 22, the capital of Burkina Faso hosted a consultation workshop for the electricity companies of the Alliance countries. The countries’ plans are ambitious: in the long term, the construction of a nuclear power plant in the ASS region is scheduled for 2034 at the latest.
As for more immediate and concrete measures, there are also many interesting solutions. By June 2024, it is planned to increase and formalize cooperation between national power companies in the fields of operation, maintenance, fuel supply and project development. The countries will also launch analyses on the construction of coal-fired power plants in Niger.
By the end of 2025, the Alliance intends to complete the 330 kV Niamey- Ouagadougou line, and by the end of 2026, the 330 kV Bobo – Sikasso line.
In addition, the countries have hydroelectric potential, which will be assessed by the authorities by mid-2025. The meeting participants did not forget to add to the plans an analysis of the creation of large-scale wind power plants.
The implementation of these projects will enable the ASS countries to strengthen their position in the energy sector, overcome the crisis and, consequently, give a strong impetus to economic development. By joining forces, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have increased their chances of successful economic development.
