GE Vernova is highlighting its role in advancing global energy security and affordability at the B20 South Africa conference, as the company supports the West African Power Pool’s (WAPP) historic regional grid synchronization, a milestone expected to transform electricity access across 15 countries.
The B20 Energy Mix & Just Transition Task Force, where GE Vernova participates, has positioned the company at the forefront of practical solutions to make energy more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure.
At the same time, WAPP successfully conducted its first full regional electric system synchronization, linking national grids across Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Mauritania. This achievement marks a major step in unifying power operations in West Africa and preparing the region for a fully integrated electricity market.
“B20 brings the private and public sectors together to expand access to sustainable energy, from gas to renewables and a stronger grid, building a stronger future for all,” said Roger Martella, Chief Corporate Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, GE Vernova. “Our involvement in WAPP’s historic synchronization shows what collaboration and technology can deliver.”
Technology and Expertise Powering the Grid
GE Vernova’s GridOS® Wide Area Monitoring System (WAMS) played a key role during the synchronization, tracking grid dynamics in near real time. Meanwhile, GE Vernova Consulting Services provided the technical foundation, including Power System Stabilizer tuning, governor field testing, and coordination of the network.
The company’s Grid Automation telecom solution ensured reliable communications between the regional command center in Abomey-Calavi, Benin, and national dispatch centers, allowing operators to monitor, analyze, and optimize power flows down to the substation level.
The synchronization trial confirmed that multiple national transmission operators can reliably operate under centralized coordination, paving the way for a permanent regional synchronization in 2026. Experts say this milestone will enable cross-border electricity trading, reduce outages, and better integrate renewable energy sources, strengthening the reliability and efficiency of West Africa’s power system.
Investing in Talent and Skills
Beyond technology, GE Vernova is emphasizing the human dimension of the energy transition. The GE Vernova Foundation aims to reach 30,000 learners by 2030 through technical and vocational training. In South Africa, the Next Engineers program has reached nearly 4,100 learners and awarded US$36,000 in scholarships, while the company’s External Bursary Program recently granted US$83,000 to 10 graduates. Since 2020, GE Vernova has awarded more than US$7.3 million in bursaries to over 900 beneficiaries nationwide.
GE Vernova also convened the first Mendoza Collective Action Summit, uniting public, private, and academic leaders to expand electricity access in underserved communities. The summit produced the Mendoza Principles, designed to guide future collaborations toward sustainable, inclusive energy development.
A Vision for Global Energy
As a purpose-built global energy company with more than 130 years of experience, GE Vernova integrates Power, Wind, and Electrification segments alongside accelerator businesses to lead the energy transition.
Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and employing approximately 75,000 people across 100 countries, GE Vernova is committed to electrifying the world while decarbonizing it, delivering a future of affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy.
