The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire plans to build 12 photovoltaic solar plants with a combined capacity of 678 MW across the country by 2030, and aims to reach a total capacity of 1,686 MW by 2040.

Starting with Ferkessédougou and Bondoukou Solar Plants

The Ivory Coast’s Minister of Mines, Oil, and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, has announced plans to add 678 MW of solar capacity by 2030 and 1,686 MW by 2040. The government’s website lists plans for 12 new solar plants with a combined capacity of 628 MWp. Two of these plants—in the cities of Ferkessédougou (52 MWp) and Bondoukou (50 MWp)—are expected to be completed by the end of next year.

Construction on three more solar plants is scheduled for 2026 in Korhogo (116 MWp), M’bengué (50 MWp), and Katiola (50 MWp).

Coulibaly also outlined plans for seven other plants: Tengréla (50 MWp), Kong (50 MWp), Sérébou (25 MWp), Touba and Loboa (60 MWp), Odienné (50 MWp), Mankono (50 MWp), and Soubré (25 MWp).

Côte d’Ivoire Commissions its First Major Solar Plant

In the northern region of Côte d’Ivoire, the first phase of a solar power facility has been officially opened. Described as the nation’s first significant solar array, the 37.5 MW Boundiali solar power plant will supply electricity to the national utility, Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Electricité.

Financing for the plant was first announced in 2018, with its commissioning revealed in December 2022.

Work on the plant’s second phase has already begun and is scheduled for completion by April 2025. The total project cost is €75.6 million ($81.8 million).

The facility is projected to save 60,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually while providing electricity to 70,000 homes. The construction phase is also creating over 300 direct and indirect jobs.

This project is part of the Ivory Coast’s broader effort to diversify its electricity sources. The nation aims for renewable energy, including hydroelectricity, to comprise 45% of its energy mix by 2030. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the country had 46 MW of solar deployed nationwide as of the end of 2023.