The Danzi Solar Park is a major renewable energy project in the Central African Republic, providing stable electricity and supporting 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 recently taken a monumental step toward sustainable development with the completion of the Danzi Solar Park. For the citizens of CAR, the project is more than meeting SDGs; it’s a lifeline providing stable electricity and improving livelihoods.
The Danzi Solar Park — located just 18 kilometers from the capital, Bangui — was inaugurated on 17 November 2023. This project marks a major milestone in CAR's energy sector, making it one of the largest renewable energy projects in the country.
With a generation capacity of 25MW — including 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 the residents of Danzi and nearby areas, the solar park represents much more than a reliable energy source. The village chief, Thomas Bissafi expressed his excitement about the opportunities this 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. Many young people, who were previously unemployed, are now finding job opportunities thanks to this project. The solar park has not only improved access to electricity but has also sparked economic growth in the region. Companies are setting up their operations, which further boosts local development.
Boosting National Energy Capacity
Danzi Solar Park is a game-changer for CAR’s electricity generation. Before the park's construction, over 90% of the country’s energy was produced through diesel fuel. This not only limited the availability of electricity, but also had a severe environmental impact. The solar park now replaces a significant portion of this diesel-generated power, providing a cleaner and more sustainable energy source.
The plant is expected to contribute over $4 million annually to the national electricity grid operator, Energie Centrafricain (ENERCA). In addition to revenue generation, the solar park will almost double the country’s overall electricity capacity. This increase will have a profound impact — especially in Bangui, where electricity shortages are common.
The environmental benefits of the solar park are just as significant as its economic advantages. By replacing diesel fuel with solar energy, the country will see a net reduction in carbon emissions. The project is expected to eliminate approximately 670,674 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.
A Vision for the Future
CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera praised the project as transformative, 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, and will also improve 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, thereby providing clean water to thousands of residents.
These developments — along with the Danzi Solar Park's success — show CAR is moving toward a sustainable future. The solar park provides reliable electricity, economic growth, jobs, and a cleaner environment, thus offering hope for what's possible with renewable energy.
The Danzi Solar Park is more than just a power plant. It is a symbol of hope and progress for the Central African Republic, offering a glimpse of what is possible when countries invest in sustainable energy solutions. By reducing carbon emissions, creating jobs, and improving electricity access, the project is transforming lives and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
