By Faridat Salifu
The Ivorian government marked a milestone in its quest for energy diversification with the inauguration of the first phase of the Boundiali solar power plant.
Prime Minister, Robert Beugré Mambé presided over the inauguration ceremony held recently alongside project supporters and local dignitaries, including Bruno Nabagné Koné, President of the Bagoué Regional Council.
Initially announced in 2019, the government note that the Boundiali solar project has transitioned from concept to reality, showcasing Ivory Coast’s commitment to embracing renewable energy sources.
According to Mambe, the project which spans an area of 36 hectares and integrated into the grid of state-owned company, Côte d’Ivoire Énergies (CI-Énergies), boasts a capacity of 37.5 MWp.
He said the installation was executed by Eiffage Énergie Systèmes, a subsidiary of the renowned French conglomerate Eiffage.
Notably, in 2023, Saft, a subsidiary of energy giant TotalEnergies, was enlisted to equip the solar farm with a cutting-edge 13.8 MWh electricity storage system.
Representing an investment of €75 million, the Boundiali solar power plant is poised to energize approximately 70,000 Ivorian households while curbing emissions by an estimated 60,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually.
Mamadou Coulibaly-Sangafowa, Ivory Coast’s Minister of Mines, Oil and Energy, underscored the pivotal role of the solar facility in advancing the government’s energy agenda.
He emphasized the objective of increasing the share of renewable energies in the electricity mix to 45% by 2030, aligning with international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 31.4%.
To bolster its diversification efforts, the Ivorian government has outlined plans for the second phase of the Boundiali solar power plant, aiming to elevate its capacity to 83 MWp.
This expansion project, with a total investment of 76.5 million euros, demonstrates the nation’s unwavering commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Crucially, the Boundiali solar initiative enjoys financial backing from the European Union (EU) and the German Development Agency (KfW), signaling international support for Ivory Coast’s renewable energy ambitions.
It was gathered that private investors are increasingly exploring opportunities in the solar energy sector. Notable ventures include Amea Power of the United Arab Emirates, slated to invest in a 50 MWp solar power plant in Bondoukou, and PFO Africa, eyeing a 52 MWp project in Sokhoro, within the Ferkessédougou division.