Study of the climate vulnerability of the hydroelectric sector
- Client
- AFD – Agence Française de Développement (with CI-Energies, SODEXAM)
- Country
- Ivory Coast
- Period
- 2020 - 2022
The Challenge
Côte d’Ivoire faces growing climate-related vulnerabilities. Increasing uncertainty in rainfall patterns, more frequent extreme events, and changing river flows are putting long-term water supply and hydropower assets at risk. Decision-makers therefore require a clear understanding of how climate change will affect electricity generation and system operations—particularly within the Sassandra and Bandama watersheds, where the country’s key hydropower resources are located. The objective is to secure a sustainable electricity supply by strengthening renewable energy assets, especially hydropower, through resilient infrastructure design and adaptive management solutions.
The Solution
Tractebel delivered two key products: (1) a comprehensive climate change vulnerability assessment for the national hydropower sector, and (2) a real-time water management model to optimize short term operations. Both existing and planned hydropower facilities in the Sassandra and Bandama river basins were covered. The vulnerability assessment included a full Climate Risk Analysis and the development of a risk management plan for both the energy and flood risk sectors. The real-time management tool was fully automated to generate daily forecasts for operational decision making, as well as seasonal forecasts to support medium term planning. Tractebel also provided hands on training to CI Energies to ensure smooth adoption and autonomous use of the tools.
The Impact
The project equipped Ivorian institutions with the analytical foundation and operational tools needed to integrate climate risks and uncertainties into hydropower planning, operations, and investment strategies. By strengthening both short term and long term reservoir management capabilities, Tractebel enhanced the resilience, safety, and overall performance of current and future hydropower assets. In doing so, Tractebel directly contributes to Côte d’Ivoire’s transition toward a reliable, low carbon, and climate resilient electricity system.