A simulation model of short-term electricity trading in the Eastern Africa electricity market

This paper explores the evolution of the electricity market in Eastern Africa, focusing on the integration of varying renewable energy sources. The problem addressed is the current market structure’s inability to support short-term trade, which is essential for accommodating fluctuations in renewable energy production and ensuring supply. The Agent-based Market model for the Investigation of Renewable and Integrated energy Systems (AMIRIS) open-source software is employed to predict market participants’ behaviours in a deregulated competitive market, considering pricing, bidding strategies, and capacity expansion decisions. The results indicate that a short-term market could enhance the integration of renewable energy, reduce costs, and improve service quality, while highlighting the need for policy interventions to ensure economic viability and optimal resource utilization.