Status of implementation of generation, transmission and interconnection projects in the Southern Africa Power Pool

This paper reviews generation, transmission and interconnection projects together with impact of the global financial crisis on the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP), with possible recommendations. The current status of power supply within the region is reviewed, as is status of institutional structures to accelerate implementation of power sector projects. Then status of implementation of SAPP generation, transmission and interconnector projects is discussed. A review of the status of implementation of short-term measures to overcome the diminished surplus installed capacity and the projected impact of these measures on the power supply situation is then given. The status of power supply in SAPP is given in tables and figures. Included is installed capacity and peak demand. Supply and demand projections, demand growth, capacity planned and capacity required, the impact of load management 2009-2015 on demand, commissioned generation projects in 2008 and 2009, and the revised project commissioning plan 2009-2015 are indicated. The paper then discusses challenges in project implementation, the status of project implementation, demand side management (predicted reduction in demand by demand side management to 2015 and impact on load forecasts indicating SAPP load forecast after Demand Side Power Station and capacity required), and SAPP energy efficiency programmes. Finally, recommendations of the pool plan study are presented. Project financing (status of arrangements for power sector investors roundtable and appropriate financing model for trans-boundary power projects) and operational challenges and opportunities in power trade: for transition from a short-term energy market to a competitive day-ahead energy market to a competitive energy market are discussed. Cost reflective tariffs in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region are also discussed.