The Société Nationale d’Électricité du Burkina Faso (SONABEL) is the state-owned entity responsible for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in Burkina Faso. Founded in 1968, SONABEL has played a crucial role in the country’s socio-economic development by providing electricity to both urban and rural areas. Despite the challenges associated with operating in a landlocked, resource-limited environment, SONABEL has been instrumental in fostering industrial growth, improving living standards, and supporting the overall economic development of Burkina Faso.
Historical Background
Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta, gained independence from France in 1960. The early years of independence were marked by a struggle to establish a stable and functional infrastructure, including in the energy sector. Prior to the creation of SONABEL, electricity generation and distribution were managed by multiple small-scale, privately-owned entities that operated independently in major cities like Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. This fragmented approach led to inefficiencies, limited coverage, and a lack of coordinated development in the electricity sector.
In response to these challenges, the Burkinabe government established SONABEL in 1968 as a unified, state-owned entity to centralize the management of electricity services. The creation of SONABEL marked a significant step towards the modernization and expansion of the country’s energy infrastructure.
Mission and Vision
SONABEL’s mission is to ensure the reliable generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity throughout Burkina Faso, thereby contributing to the country’s economic development and improving the quality of life for its citizens. The company’s vision is to achieve universal access to electricity across the country, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and efficiency. This vision aligns with Burkina Faso’s broader development goals, including the national strategy for sustainable energy and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Organizational Structure
SONABEL operates as a vertically integrated utility, meaning it is involved in all aspects of the electricity supply chain, from generation to distribution. The company’s headquarters are located in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso. SONABEL’s organizational structure is designed to support its diverse functions, with key departments focusing on areas such as power generation, transmission, distribution, customer service, and corporate affairs.
The company is governed by a board of directors, which is responsible for overseeing its strategic direction and ensuring alignment with government policies. The day-to-day operations are managed by a general director, who is supported by a team of executives in various functional areas.
Electricity Generation
Electricity generation is one of SONABEL’s core functions. Burkina Faso’s electricity generation mix is primarily composed of thermal power plants, which rely on imported fossil fuels such as diesel and heavy fuel oil. As of 2023, the total installed capacity of SONABEL’s power plants is approximately 500 megawatts (MW), with the majority of this capacity coming from thermal sources.
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on diversifying the energy mix to include more renewable sources, such as solar and hydropower. This shift is driven by the need to reduce dependence on imported fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the sustainability of the energy sector. SONABEL has been actively involved in the development of several renewable energy projects, including the Zagtouli Solar Power Station, which is the largest solar power plant in West Africa with an installed capacity of 33 MW.
Transmission and Distribution
SONABEL is responsible for the transmission and distribution of electricity across Burkina Faso. The company operates an extensive network of transmission lines and substations that connect power generation facilities to consumers in urban and rural areas. The transmission network is primarily composed of 225 kV, 132 kV, and 33 kV lines, which transport electricity over long distances.
The distribution network, which operates at lower voltages, delivers electricity directly to end-users, including households, businesses, and industrial customers. One of the key challenges faced by SONABEL in the distribution segment is the high level of technical and non-technical losses, which result from factors such as outdated infrastructure, energy theft, and inefficiencies in the supply chain.
Rural Electrification
Rural electrification is a major focus area for SONABEL and the Burkinabe government. Approximately 70% of Burkina Faso’s population lives in rural areas, where access to electricity has historically been limited. Expanding electricity access to these regions is critical for promoting economic development, improving living standards, and achieving social equity.
SONABEL has been involved in several rural electrification initiatives, often in collaboration with international development partners and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These initiatives include the construction of mini-grids, the extension of the national grid to rural areas, and the deployment of off-grid solutions such as solar home systems. Despite these efforts, the rural electrification rate remains low, highlighting the need for continued investment and innovation in this area.
Financial Performance
SONABEL’s financial performance has been a subject of concern for several years. The company faces significant challenges related to its financial sustainability, including high operating costs, limited revenue generation, and the burden of subsidized tariffs. Electricity tariffs in Burkina Faso are heavily subsidized by the government to make electricity more affordable for consumers. While these subsidies help to protect vulnerable populations, they also strain SONABEL’s financial resources and limit its ability to invest in infrastructure improvements and expansion projects.
The company’s financial difficulties are further exacerbated by the high cost of imported fuels, which make up a significant portion of its operating expenses. In response to these challenges, SONABEL has implemented several cost-cutting measures, including efforts to improve operational efficiency, reduce technical losses, and enhance revenue collection.
Challenges and Opportunities
SONABEL operates in a challenging environment characterized by limited natural resources, high energy costs, and a rapidly growing population. Some of the key challenges facing the company include:
- Dependence on Imported Fuels: Burkina Faso’s reliance on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation makes the country vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. This dependence also contributes to high electricity production costs and limits the country’s energy security.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many of SONABEL’s generation, transmission, and distribution facilities are outdated and in need of modernization. The aging infrastructure leads to frequent power outages, technical losses, and inefficiencies in the electricity supply chain.
- Financial Constraints: SONABEL’s financial difficulties limit its ability to invest in new projects and maintain existing infrastructure. The company’s reliance on government subsidies further complicates its financial sustainability.
- Low Electrification Rate: Despite progress in recent years, the electrification rate in Burkina Faso remains low, particularly in rural areas. Expanding electricity access to underserved regions is a significant challenge that requires substantial investment and innovative solutions.
Despite these challenges, there are also several opportunities for SONABEL to improve its performance and contribute to the development of Burkina Faso’s energy sector:
- Renewable Energy Development: Burkina Faso has significant potential for renewable energy development, particularly in the areas of solar and hydropower. SONABEL’s involvement in renewable energy projects presents an opportunity to diversify the country’s energy mix, reduce dependence on imported fuels, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Regional Integration: SONABEL is a member of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), a regional initiative aimed at improving electricity supply and promoting cross-border electricity trade among West African countries. Regional integration offers opportunities for SONABEL to access cheaper and more reliable electricity from neighboring countries, thereby enhancing the stability of Burkina Faso’s electricity supply.
- Private Sector Participation: There is growing interest in private sector participation in Burkina Faso’s energy sector. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) and independent power producers (IPPs) could play a key role in financing and developing new energy projects, improving efficiency, and expanding electricity access.
- Technological Innovation: Advances in technology, particularly in the areas of smart grids, energy storage, and off-grid solutions, offer opportunities for SONABEL to enhance its operational efficiency, reduce losses, and improve service delivery to customers.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, SONABEL is expected to play a central role in Burkina Faso’s efforts to achieve universal electricity access and transition to a more sustainable energy system. The company’s future success will depend on its ability to address the challenges it faces, leverage opportunities for growth, and adapt to changing market dynamics.
Key priorities for SONABEL in the coming years include expanding renewable energy capacity, modernizing infrastructure, improving financial sustainability, and enhancing customer service. Achieving these goals will require continued support from the Burkinabe government, international development partners, and the private sector.
Conclusion
SONABEL is a critical player in Burkina Faso’s energy sector, with a mandate to provide reliable and affordable electricity to all citizens. While the company faces significant challenges, it also has the potential to drive positive change and contribute to the country’s long-term development goals.