By Omar V Al Sherif, Energy Specialist, World Bank
Flashback
We often see solar photovoltaics (PV) as a solution primarily for daytime energy needs; however, this perspective overlooks the critical role of energy storage. Reflecting on the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) study tour organized by the World Bank ESMAP and IFC in the United States in the Fall of 2025, it became clear to me and my fellow participants that integrating storage planning and investment into renewable energy projects is essential—not just for grid reliability but to ensure stable energy availability during periods of peak demand. Excess solar PV generated during daylight hours can be stored and dispatched at night through advanced energy storage technologies. In fact, LDES solutions—such as hydrogen-based fuel cell batteries and thermal storage using bricks—offer innovative ways to tackle electricity challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including supply shortfalls, recurrent load shedding, rising demand, decarbonization efforts, regional integration, and energy security. While LDES technologies are still emerging, their rapid deployment potential in the next 5-10 years underscores the need for SSA countries to incorporate them into power system planning, complementing existing short-duration storage solutions like lithium-ion batteries. Whether for utility-scale projects or behind-the-meter installations, energy storage is indispensable for sustainable energy systems, especially with the growing share of variable renewables like solar and wind. For M300, one of the pathways to sustainability is investing in both LDES and conventional storage options to ensure reliable electricity. Developing robust business models for energy storage must start today. Through the RESPITE project, Sierra Leone, Chad, and Togo are already deploying Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to enhance grid reliability and supply. Liberia plans to integrate BESS in its generation mix by 2026.
Context
Ensuring a reliable and sustainable electricity supply across Sub-Saharan Africa is essential for fostering economic growth. The IMF indicates that economic activity in the region outpaced projections in 2024, reaching a 4% GDP growth, though it is expected to go down to 3.8% in 2025 amid challenging global conditions and stricter financial policies. According to an IEA Report, electricity consumption in Africa rose by 3.4% in 2024, up from just over 2% in 2023, with countries like South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria experiencing notable increases in demand. Yet, persistent supply constraints continue to limit electricity consumption growth in SSA. Bloomberg NEF reports that with 2.3% of global electricity consumption, Africa attracted $15 billion in renewable energy investments in 2023, and added 7.9GW of new installed capacity. While solar PV and wind were major drivers of both investment and capacity expansion, the integration of energy storage remains critical to achieving greater resilience, reliability, and a more complete energy solution.
Fig.1 Year-on-year percent change in electricity demand, Africa, 2020-2027 Source: IEA https://www.iea.org/reports/electricity-2025 |
Why
Approximately 600 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to reliable electricity. The IEA reports that electricity demand in the region is expected to grow at an average annual rate of around 5% through 2027, making investments in sustainable and diversified energy sources essential. Leveraging the region’s abundant solar PV resources paired with energy storage solutions is a strategic way to strengthen and diversify the power supply mix. According to the IEA, solar PV capacity installations in Africa are projected to grow by an average of 25% per year until 2027, further highlighting the long-term need for LDES. Solar PV can address daytime electricity requirements, while energy storage systems are crucial for delivering power during the night. A highlight of the study tour was visiting sites piloting and commercially deploying LDES technologies that store energy for 8 or more hours—serving utility grids, commercial, and industrial users. These systems offer a minimum 20-year operational life, adapt to various climates, and are environmentally conscious. LDES technologies present multiple options for scaling up and broader implementation.
Next
ESMAP is positioned to provide technical assistance for the deployment of LDES to support knowledge sharing, funding mobilization, a framework for policy and regulation development, and market access. Countries in SSA should consider the following approach for LDES investment.
a. Create Awareness and Market Development Opportunities: Conduct targeted outreach campaigns, workshops, and seminars to educate stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, utilities, and communities, about the benefits and potential of LDES. The outreach campaigns will include informational materials and case studies showcasing successful LDES projects and their impacts.
Foster partnerships with regional and international organizations to promote knowledge sharing and capacity building and identify and engage early adopters and champions within the region to drive demand and facilitate market entry.
b. Prepare a Roadmap and Least-Cost Plan: Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies to assess the technical, economic, and social aspects of LDES deployment across different geographies, and map out a phased implementation plan that prioritizes high-potential sites and regions.
Establish a least-cost pathway that considers technological options, financing mechanisms, and infrastructure needs.
c. Develop Policy and Regulation: Collaborate with government agencies to formulate supportive policies, standards, and regulations for LDES, and develop clear frameworks for grid integration, tariffs, and incentives to encourage investment.
Address legal and regulatory barriers that might hinder deployment and operation and promote regional harmonization of policies to facilitate cross-border energy storage projects and regional power trade.
d. Pilot Projects: Identify suitable sites and partners for pilot projects with different LDES technologies, and secure funding and technical assistance for implementation.
Establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess performance, costs, and benefits, and use lessons learned from pilots to refine technology selection, deployment strategies, and regulatory approaches for larger-scale rollout.