Engie Energy Access, a division of the French energy firm Engie, has launched its first mini-grid in Dohouè, kicking off a major solar plan to establish more than 20 such grids across the country. These mini-grids will provide sustainable electricity to over 30,000 people in 20 rural areas, with a combined capacity of 1.2 MW.
Solar Mini-Grid Powered by 135 kW of Solar Panels
The Dohouè MySol Grid—powered by 135 kW of solar panels and backed by 130 kWh of Lithium-ion batteries—connects over 1,500 residents and businesses to reliable energy. According to a company release, Engie Energy Access has obtained a 20-year license for the project in partnership with the Beninese Agency for Rural Electrification and Energy Management.
Gillian-Alexandre Huart, CEO of Engie Energy Access, highlighted the versatility and affordability of their solar home systems and mini-grids, explaining that they can address the diverse needs of households, communities, and businesses beyond the national grid.
“Our comprehensive offering across solar home systems and mini-grids in Benin enables a cost-effective and flexible multi-technological approach,” said Huart. “As a result, we can provide for the different urgent demands of productive, communal, and residential users who live off the national grid.”
He added, “We are dedicated to empowering every member of the communities we serve by providing low-income households with access to clean energy technologies.”
Initiative to Power 30,000 People in 20 Rural Regions
This project is the first step in a larger plan for Engie Energy Access to build and operate 20 more mini-grids throughout Benin. Co-funded by the Millennium Challenge Account – Benin II program’s Off-grid Clean Energy Facility, these new grids are expected to have a combined installed capacity of 1.2 MW and serve over 30,000 people across 20 rural areas.
Christelle Agossou, ENGIE Energy Access Benin’s Country Director, reaffirmed the company’s commitment. “Looking towards the future, ENGIE Energy Access is building and will be running 20 additional mini-grids across the country,” she said.
“As part of the Off-grid Clean Energy Facility (OCEF), these mini-grids, which are co-funded by the Millennium Challenge Account – Benin II initiative, will together provide 1.2 MW of installed capacity, lighting the lives of over 30,000 people in 20 remote villages,” Agossou added.
According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency, Benin ended last year with a total installed solar capacity of 28 MW. More recently, Japanese developer Toyota Tsusho announced plans to build a 25 MW solar plant in the country.
Benin’s Push for Solar Energy Development
Many African nations are increasing their efforts to boost solar energy production for greater affordability and environmental sustainability. Benin is intensifying its own focus on green energy to leverage its untapped solar potential. Despite its reliance on imported fossil fuels and limited electricity access, the country’s government is actively promoting solar projects to address its energy needs.
Despite its significant energy resource potential, Benin faces energy shortages for its 12.2 million residents. With nearly 59% of the population lacking electricity, the country relies heavily on imported energy from neighbours like Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, costing over $130 million annually.
Nevertheless, Benin offers affordable electricity rates, scoring 81 out of 100 for affordability in 2019. The government is now working to improve electricity access and achieve energy self-sufficiency.
Along with other ECOWAS nations, Benin aims to meet significant electrification targets and integrate more renewables into its energy mix by 2025. However, executing these goals effectively remains a challenge. To address this, Benin’s government is developing policies and reforms to promote renewable energy by tapping into the country’s abundant natural resources.
Solar PV is set to play a significant role in Benin’s energy future, with plans for multiple solar power plants totalling 50 MW of capacity. Initiatives like the Millennium Challenge Account-Bénin II and projects by solar investors—supported by organizations like the Agence Française de Developement and the United Nations Development Program—aim to expand solar infrastructure across the country.
