- Ivory Coast advances solar power plant development.
- Ten multinationals qualify for partnership in the Bafing region.
Ivory Coast is progressing in solar power plant development, with ten multinational companies qualifying for partnership. The plants, to be located in the Bafing region, are part of a public-private partnership.
They are under the World Bank’s Scaling Solar program. The program was initially aimed at accelerating solar farm deployment through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
However, the program has encountered delays across Africa, notably on the Ivory Coast. The official announcement of the results of the Laboa and Touba solar project tender came almost three years after the initial call.
Two companies have collaborated. Meridiam, a French investment firm, partnered with EDF Renouvelables, a subsidiary of the Électricité de France (EDF) group.
Additionally, Voltalia, another French company, has expressed interest in leading the construction of solar power plants. Notable contenders include Norwegian IPP Scatec, UK-based Globeleq, and Italy’s Enel Green Power. They showcase a diverse expertise pool in the renewable energy sector.
Despite strategic adjustments, with Green Yellow redirecting efforts towards the Indian Ocean and South Africa, the commitment to solar energy development remains strong. Egyptian firm Elsewedy Electric, Cairo-based Infinity Power Holding and Morocco’s Nareva Holding feature prominently among potential developers for the Laboa and Touba projects.
Selected bidders have until August 9, 2024, to submit proposals to the Ivorian Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy and state-owned entity Côte d’Ivoire Energies (CI-Énergies). The envisaged solar power plants are expected to contribute a combined output of 60 MWp to Ivory Coast’s national grid.
This aligns with the government’s target of achieving a 45% renewable energy share by 2030.