Background

Africa’s energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. These intermittent energy sources necessitate effective energy storage solutions to ensure grid stability and reliability. The rapid decline in battery costs—over 90% since 2010—has made large-scale energy storage more feasible.

Initiatives such as South Africa’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, funded by the Bank, aim to support grid stability and manage peak demand. The project includes large-scale utility batteries with a daily capacity of 1,440 MWh and 60 MW of solar PV. The Bank is also funding a technical feasibility, policy and regulatory diagnostics study for the adoption and implementation of grid connected Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Nigeria. Additionally, during COP28, several African countries expressed interest in joining the Battery Energy Storage Systems Consortium, aiming to revolutionize Africa’s energy landscape through advanced energy storage solutions. However, the regulatory frameworks governing energy storage remain underdeveloped across many African countries, creating barriers to investment and deployment.

This webinar seeks to address the key regulatory challenges and opportunities in the energy storage sector. It will explore policy frameworks, market incentives, and technical standards necessary to foster innovation and attract investment. Additionally, the session will highlight successful case studies from both African nations and international markets, offering insights into best practices for establishing a conducive regulatory environment that supports the scaling up of energy storage solutions.

Time	Topic	Speaker
13:00-13:10	Welcome and introduction  Opening statements	MC – Rhoda Mshana, Energy Regulations Specialist Mr. Wale Shonibare, Director, Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulations, AfDB
13:10-13:25	Key Presentation: The importance of energy storage in Africa’s energy transition	Prof. Ignacio Pérez-Arriaga, African School of Regulation
13:25-14:40	Panel Discussion: Technological and Regulatory Landscape, including the economic and market considerations of Battery Storage in Africa	Chair: Callixte Kambanda, Manager, Energy Policy, Regulations & Statistics, AfDB Panelists : Wale Aboyade, Managing Director, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)Engr. Shehu Abba, Executive Director – System Planning, National Independent System Operator (NISO) in Nigeria Max Schoenfisch, Power Sector Modeller, IEA Barbara O’Neill, Manager, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Mohamed Adel, Business Development Manager, Scatec
14:40-14:50	Q&A, Discussion	All
14:50-15:00	Closing Remarks	Mr. Charly Gatete, ASR