Why did Ivory Coast build its first solar power plant?

As part of its drive to diversify electricity generation sources and increase the share of renewable energies in its energy mix (45% by 2030), Ivory Coast commissioned RMT to build the country's very first photovoltaic solar power plant, with a capacity of 37.5 MWp, spread over 69,440 550 Wp solar panels and 168 inverter-strings of 250 kVA.

Who builds a solar power plant in Ivory Coast?

RMT builds a 37.5 MWp solar power plant and installs Boundiali photovoltaic solar power plant in northern Ivory Coast was built in partnership with the country’s government, in particular CI-ENERGIES, and with financial support from Germany. It has been in operation since July 2023.

Will a lithium-ion battery energy storage system be installed in Côte d'Ivoire?

A lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) made by Saft will be installed at a 37.5MWp solar PV power plant in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). It is the African country’s first-ever large-scale solar project and the batteries will be used to smooth and integrate the variable output of the PV modules for export to the local electricity grid.

Is Cie launching a solar farm in the Ivory Coast?

CIE, the Ivory Coast’s state-owned utility and subsidiary of French group Eranove, has recently completed the development of this solar farm in the Boundiali Department, Bangoue Region. The solar power plant is now set to supply clean electricity to 30,000 households in the region. But, its launch date is yet to be known.

Will Côte d'Ivoire launch its first solar plant?

But, its launch date is yet to be known. Noumory Sidibé, the Director General of CIE said that Côte d’Ivoire is rich in renewable energy potential, and after having experimented with fossil fuels and hydroelectricity, the country is about to commission its first solar plant.

How is the Ivorian solar project financed?

The solar project is financed by a concessional loan of €27 million from the German development bank KfW and a grant of €9.7 million from the European Union (EU). The Ivorian state contributed the remaining sum to reach the necessary financing.