Impact of Grid Parity on the Integration of Renewable Energy in Cameroon’s Electricity Market

Abstract

The integration of renewable energies becoming crucial in the electricity market. Cameroon has set the target of achieving 25% share of renewables in its energy mix by 2030. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of grid parity on Cameroon’s electricity market. The methodology involved conducting an assesment of Cameroon’s electricy system, then, using a questionnaire and open-ended interviews with electrical engineering experts, identifying the factors that hindering grid parity, and carrying out an analysis using quality tools such as the Ishikawa diagram, SWOT, PESTEL and Pareto diagram, to finally develop a strategic action plan using the 3P framework. The results show that from 2019 to 2024, the integration rate ranges from 0.04% to 0.84% according to the 2011 law governing Cameroon’s electricity sector on renewable energies, and under the same conditions, from 2024 to 2030, the rate would evolve according to three scenarios, the high scenario at 3%; the median scenario at 2% and the low scenario at 1%. Based on feedback from the experts, 59 causes have been identified, including 21 weaknesses and 12 threats. The predominant causes are technical or technological, social, economic and political factors, which account fort 80% of the factor influencing the system and, consequently, 20% of the barriers to grid parity. We have therefore proposed a strategic action plan comprising four priority actions; (i) popularising techniques and technologies, (ii) strengthening the participation of social stakeholders in the planning and management of renewable energies, (iii) promoting mechanisms for procurement of green installations, (iv) updating national policy.