The connection of the Southern (SAPP) and Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) transmission grids provides significant potential economic opportunity related to power trade.

The objective of the project was to determine the feasibility of connecting the two power pools by developing network and market models to determine the trading potential, and to develop a framework and associated recommendations for the harmonisation of the trading environment between SAPP and EAPP.

Enerweb, in collaboration with Aurecon, implemented an Energy Market Model based on the existing and proven System Planning Test Model for Southern and Eastern Africa (SPLAT-ACEC), originally developed by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) for this purpose.

The Electricity Market Model is used to estimate least-cost energy flows within and between the interconnected SAPP countries, given certain scenario assumptions. It was developed using MESSAGE, which is a dynamic bottom-up, multi-year energy system model applying linear and mixed-integer optimisation techniques.

The model parameters reflected features in the SAPP 2017 Master Plan and characterised the Southern African power generation systems over a medium to long term planning horizon to 2040. Each country was modelled as a separate node, interconnected by cross-border transmission lines.