Benin solar power 2026 expansion plans
Benin is making remarkable progress in renewable energy by planning to install 150 MW of solar power capacity by 2026. This ambitious goal is part of the government’s broader agenda to diversify the country’s energy mix and reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels. The proposed expansion in solar power is expected to enhance energy access, particularly in rural areas, and support the country’s economic development.
The project — spearheaded by the Beninese Ministry of Energy — aims to elevate the installed solar capacity in Benin to 150 MW. Currently, Benin’s energy mix is heavily reliant on imports from neighboring countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. In 2021, the country imported 1,255 GWh of electricity, underscoring the need for increased domestic energy production.
The expansion of solar power will significantly reduce Benin’s dependence on fossil fuels and imported electricity. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Benin had only 25 MW of installed solar capacity by the end of 2023. The new solar projects will substantially increase this capacity, contributing to the country’s energy security and sustainability goals.
Government’s renewable energy goals for Benin solar power 2026
The Beninese government is steadfast in its commitment to reaching 150 MW of installed solar capacity by 2026. This initiative aligns with the country’s long-term energy strategy, which aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2030. The government plans to boost the electrification rate from 50% in 2022 to 75% by 2026, with a particular focus on rural electrification.
The rural electrification rate in Benin is currently only 30%, leaving a significant portion of the population without reliable access to electricity. The government’s plans to expand solar power will play a crucial role in addressing this gap and improving the quality of life for millions of Beninese citizens.
Ongoing projects driving Benin solar power 2026 progress
Benin is already advancing its solar power initiatives. The country is currently constructing two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 50 MW. The first plant, located in the municipality of Bohicon, will have a capacity of 15 MW, while the second plant in the municipality of Pobè will boast a capacity of 35 MW. Both projects are expected to be completed soon and will contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals.
In addition to these projects, the Beninese government is exploring partnerships with international organizations to further expand its solar capacity. In June 2024, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) launched a tender to recruit companies for the construction of a 150 MW solar power plant in Benin. The project will be financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and aims to support Benin’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
How Benin solar power 2026 will transform the energy sector
The expansion of solar power in Benin is expected to have a transformative impact on the country’s energy sector. By increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix, Benin will be able to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and enhance its energy security. The new solar projects will also contribute to the country’s efforts to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Moreover, the expansion of solar power will create new economic opportunities in Benin. The construction and operation of solar power plants will generate jobs and stimulate local economic development. The increased availability of electricity will also support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are essential for the country’s economic development.
As Benin works towards its goal of 150 MW of installed solar capacity by 2026, the country is poised to become a regional leader in renewable energy. The government’s commitment to expanding solar power will help to ensure that all Beninese citizens have access to reliable and affordable electricity, while also supporting the country’s economic growth and environmental sustainability.
