The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire is planning to build 12 photovoltaic solar plants with a combined capacity of 678 MW in different parts of the country by 2030. Likewise, the government plans to reach 1,686 MW by 2040.

Starting with Ferkessédougou and Bondoukou Solar Plants

The Minister of Mines, Oil, and Energy of the Ivory Coast, Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, has declared plans to add 678 MW of solar capacity by 2030 and 1,686 MW by 2040. Plans for the 12 new solar plants with a combined capacity of 628 MWp are listed on the government website.

In the cities of Ferkessédougou and Bondoukou, two solar plants of 52 MWp of 50 MWp respectively are expected to be finished by the end of the following year.

2026 has been set aside for the construction of three further solar plants, which are situated at Korhogo, M'bengué, and Katiola. Their capacities are 116 MWp, 50 MWp, and 50 MWp, respectively.

Additionally, Coulibaly mentioned plans to build seven more plants. These solar plants are 50 MWp in Tengréla, 50 MWp in Kong, 25 MWp in Sérébou, 60 MWp in Touba and Loboa, 50 MWp in Odienné, 50 MWp in Mankono, and 25 MWp in Soubré.

Last week, Côte d'Ivoire Commissioned First Major Solar Plant

In the northern region of the Côte d'Ivoire, the first phase of a solar power facility has been officially opened.

The Boundiali solar power plant's financing was initially revealed in 2018, and details of its commissioning were made public in December 2022. The 37.5 MW plant, which is being described as the nation's first significant solar array, will supply electricity to Compagnie Ivoirienne d'Electricité, the nation's utility.

At the solar plant, the second phase of work has begun and is anticipated to be finished by April 2025. At a total cost of €75.6 million ($81.8 million), the project is anticipated to save 60,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent year by providing electricity to 70,000 homes. During construction, it is generating over 300 direct and indirect jobs.

The project is a component of Ivory Coast's efforts to diversify its sources of electricity. By 2030, the nation wants to use 45% more renewable energy, including hydroelectricity, in its electrical mix.

By 2030, the Ivory Coast wants to reach a 45 percent renewable energy mix. By the end of 2023, 46 MW of solar had been deployed nationwide, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).