May 16, 2024

25MW Danzi Solar Park Transforms Lives in Central African Republic

In a significant milestone for the Central African Republic (CAR), the nation officially inaugurated the 25MW Danzi Solar Park on November 17, 2023. Located in the village of Danzi, just 18 kilometers from the capital city of Bangui, this landmark project nearly doubles the country’s entire electricity generation capacity, providing a stable and clean power source for an estimated 250,000 people.

Developed with crucial grant funding from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), the photovoltaic facility represents a transformative shift away from the nation’s previous reliance on expensive and polluting diesel fuel, which accounted for over 90% of its energy. The project, which is owned by the national utility Energie Centrafricain (ENERCA), includes a 30 MWh battery storage system, ensuring a more reliable supply of electricity to the national grid via a 63-kV transmission line.

The impact of the Danzi Solar Park extends far beyond energy statistics. It is a catalyst for profound socio-economic change. “It’s a great joy. It’s helping to develop the country,” remarked village chief Thomas Bissafi, highlighting the project’s role in fostering new opportunities. The reliable power has already begun to attract new businesses and settlers to the area, creating vital jobs for local youth and stimulating regional economic growth.

From a national perspective, the plant is a strategic asset. It is projected to contribute over $4 million annually to ENERCA, bolstering the financial health of the national grid operator. President Faustin-Archange Touadera celebrated the initiative, stating, “This is a transformative project that touches all aspects of the lives of our people.” The consistent power will improve services at homes, schools, and hospitals and support commercial activities that depend on refrigeration.

The successful launch of the Danzi park is a cornerstone of CAR’s broader ambition to achieve 50% national electricity access by 2030. By replacing diesel generation with clean solar energy, the project is also set to eliminate approximately 670,674 metric tons of CO2 emissions, marking a substantial contribution to environmental sustainability. With a 15MW Phase 2 expansion already announced, the Danzi Solar Park stands as a powerful symbol of progress and hope, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for the Central African Republic.