The Danzi Solar Park is a major renewable energy project in the Central African Republic, designed to provide stable electricity and support sustainable development. Located near Bangui, the 25MW solar park connects to the national grid, significantly boosting the country’s energy capacity.
Danzi Solar Park: A Renewable Energy Milestone in the Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR)—a landlocked nation in central Africa—has taken a monumental step toward a sustainable future with the completion of the Danzi Solar Park. For its citizens, this project is more than just a step toward meeting sustainability goals; it’s a lifeline that provides stable electricity and improves livelihoods.
Inaugurated on November 17, 2023, the Danzi Solar Park is located just 18 kilometers from the capital, Bangui. The project marks a significant achievement for CAR’s energy sector and stands as one of the largest renewable energy initiatives in the country.
With a generation capacity of 25MW and a 30-MWh storage system, the solar park connects to the national grid through a 63-kV transmission line that links the Boali hydroelectric system to the capital.
Transformative Impact on Local Communities
For residents of Danzi and surrounding areas, the solar park is much more than a reliable energy source. Village chief Thomas Bissafi expressed his excitement about the new opportunities the project brings. Speaking with World Bank representatives, who were instrumental in fast-tracking the project, he said, “It’s a great joy. It’s helping to develop the country.”
The solar park has already attracted new settlers and businesses to Danzi, creating jobs for many formerly unemployed young people. Beyond improving access to electricity, the project has also sparked regional economic growth as companies set up operations in the area.
Boosting National Energy Capacity
The Danzi Solar Park is a game-changer for CAR’s electricity generation. Before its construction, over 90% of the country’s energy came from diesel fuel—a reliance that limited electricity availability and had a severe environmental impact.
The solar park now replaces a significant portion of this diesel-generated power with a cleaner, more sustainable energy source.
The plant is expected to contribute over $4 million annually to the national electricity grid operator, Energie Centrafricain (ENERCA). Beyond revenue, the solar park will almost double the country’s overall electricity capacity. This increase will have a profound impact, particularly in Bangui, where electricity shortages are common.
The project’s environmental benefits are as significant as its economic ones. By replacing diesel fuel with solar energy, the country will see a major reduction in carbon emissions, with the transition expected to eliminate approximately 670,674 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.
A Vision for the Future
CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera lauded the project, saying, “This is a transformative project that touches all aspects of the lives of our people.” The solar park will provide reliable electricity to homes, schools, and hospitals while also improving access to refrigeration for businesses and industries in Bangui.
The Danzi Solar Park isn’t the only major project; CAR is also enhancing water access in rural areas. In Bobangui, a 60-meter-deep borehole with a Grundfos electric pump supplies 2 cubic meters of water per hour to a 5,000-liter tank, providing clean water to thousands of residents.
These developments, coupled with the Danzi Solar Park’s success, signal the CAR’s commitment to a more sustainable future. By providing reliable electricity, fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and ensuring a cleaner environment, the project offers a hopeful vision of what’s possible with renewable energy.
The Danzi Solar Park is more than just a power plant; it’s a symbol of hope and progress for the Central African Republic, offering a glimpse of what is possible when countries invest in sustainable energy. By reducing carbon emissions, creating jobs, and improving electricity access, the project is transforming lives and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
