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The solar hybrid project is expected to be commissioned in July.
- The project is being developed by the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignation (CDC).
- The CDC will deploy 8 solar power projects with a total capacity of 2.2MW across Gabon.
Gabon’s Minister of Energy and Water, Alain Claude Bilié By Nze, has stated that the Ndjolé hybrid solar power plant will be commissioned in July. The 400kW power plant was previously scheduled to be completed last year. However, the project has faced some delays. The facility comprises 1,445 solar panels, inverters and a diesel-powered backup generator.
The plant is being developed by Gabon’s Caisse des Dépôts et Consignation (CDC). CDC will sell the power produced to the state utility Société d’énergie et d’eau du Gabon (Seeg) under a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA). CDC will also finance the construction of a 500m medium voltage distribution line and install a transformer station. Ausar Energy, a subsidiary of Engie, has been contracted to build the plant.
CDC will construct seven power plants in the country under the “Zero Diesel” programme. CDC will deploy five plants in Ogooué Ivindo province, in Bitam, Makokou, Ovan, Mékambo and Booué. In addition, two plants will be constructed in Minvoul and Medouneu, in the Woleu Ntem province. The facilities will have a cumulative capacity of 2.2 MW.
CDC will invest 4 billion CFA francs (over €6 million) in the project. It is expected that the power plants will reduce electricity costs by 30 per cent in the deployed areas. It is also estimated that the plants will reduce CO2 by 2,600 tonnes annually.