Regional Training Workshop on Geographical Information System for Energy Planning

ECREEE in collaboration with the University of Geneva, the Energy Centre, KNUST, the Ministry of Energy Cabo Verde, and Noveltis S. A. S., jointly organized a Regional Training Workshop on Geographical Information System for Energy planning, from 11 to 12 of August 2014, in Dakar, Senegal. The workshop is funded by the European Union under the ACP-EU Science and Technology programme. It brought together experts from the Rural Electrification Agencies and the departments of energy planning, statistics and data collection, from the ECOWAS Region.

Objectives of the workshop

The main objective of this workshop was to strengthen capacity within the member States, on how to collect data and the relevant metadata in the context of GIS, for supporting energy access.

The specific objectives of the workshop were:

• Introduce participants to the guidelines for data and meta-data collection
• Assist participants with defined data formats and metadata and clear guidelines regarding acceptable standards and metadata content according to the ISO 19115 and ISO19139.
• Facilitate the knowledge and benefits of data and metadata harmonization
• Raise awareness on spatial data management and how it can help to improve energy access through effective planning

Outcomes

1. Participants gained an understanding of the approaches and methodologies for data and metadata collection, according to the acceptable format and standards.
2. Participants shared experiences on GIS implementation in their respective member states.
3. Increased knowledge of participants on supporting energy access through the use of Geospatial technology.

The draft concept note and agenda is attached below.