The ECOWAS Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) has organized a regional forum on the ECOWAS Solar Energy Initiative (ESEI). The forum which took place in Dakar from 18th to 21st October brought together experts in solar energy technology, policy and business from member countries of ECOWAS, multilateral and bilateral organizations (UN, World Bank, EU, GTZ, etc), with strong representation from private business and academia; and deliberated on ways of harnessing the solar energy potential of the sub-region for energy security and development. 

The Energy Center was represented by Messrs David Quansah and Emmanuel Ramde who also wrote the Technical Discussion Paper at the request of ECREEE and UNIDO. Presenting on the discussion paper Mr Quansah noted that the various forms of solar energy technology including solar PV and Solar thermal have immense potential for the sub-region, but proper policies and mechanisms need to be put in place to harness it, taking advantage of the benefits of economies of scale that a sub-regional approach would provide. Mr Quansah also moderated the session on Solar Thermal Systems for Heating and cooling on the second day of the forum.

The forum concluded with the adoption of a roadmap for solar energy technology development and implementation – the key issues to be addressed are as follows:

1. Policies and standards

2. Solar Resource Assessment versus Existing and Potential energy facilities

3. Appropriate Solar Technology Solutions

4. Capacity building and education

5. Financing mechanisms and fund mobilization

6. Solar energy stakeholders and networks.