As participating West African governments are seeking to implement fast-track power sector development plans with an emphasis on utility scale wind and solar projects, the International Renewable Energy Agency (“IRENA”) was requested to support this plan by offering capacity building regarding the design of power purchase agreements (“PPAs”) and identify risk mitigation tools.

As part of the IRENA programme (together with Jean-Pascal Pham-Ba of Scale Sustainable Transitions), Chana Abrams of Channing Law delivered a two-day workshop attended by governmental delegates from West African counties.

The overarching objective of the workshop was to empower the participants with the practical skills and confidence to utilise the Open Solar Contracts (“OSC”) and to have a strong position and understanding when using the OSC in the procurement of affordable solar power, providing attendees with the practical skills and knowledge to clearly identify and mitigate contractual risks and to defend the contractual position of their respective Governments in the procurement of affordable solar energy.