Savannah Energy is actively seeking investors and strategic partners for its landmark Bini à Warak hybrid solar-hydro project in Cameroon. In a significant strategic move, the company plans to sell a 50% stake in the project to accelerate its development and bring in new expertise. The project combines a hydroelectric plant on the Vina River with a solar farm, designed to deliver up to 95 MW of clean, reliable power upon completion.
The company recently held its first investor day, showcasing its growing portfolio of renewable energy projects in Cameroon and Chad, including the Bini à Warak initiative and a second major hydropower plant on the Mayo Galke River.
Cameroon solar hydro project Status
Savannah Energy is advancing on multiple fronts to bring the Bini à Warak project to fruition. While negotiations continue with the African Development Bank (AfDB) for financing, the company is also pursuing new investment through a strategic stake sale. Key agreements are already in place, including an implementation agreement with Cameroon’s Ministry of Water and Energy and a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Eneo, the national power utility.
The Bini à Warak project, which includes a 75 MW hydroelectric plant, was first launched in 2011 by the Electricity Development Corporation (EDC). After facing delays due to funding challenges, the project gained new life in 2022 when Savannah Energy acquired the rights. The company has since secured a $157 million loan from the AfDB and signed agreements with the Chinese firm Sinohydro to advance construction.
A key innovation in the project’s revival is the integration of a solar power plant, creating a hybrid energy system. This combination enhances efficiency and provides a more consistent energy supply for northern Cameroon, leveraging the strengths of both hydro and solar generation. Developing such a large-scale solar component requires a deep understanding of the entire value chain, from the basics of solar panel manufacturing to securing the essential solar panel raw materials needed for production.
Mayo Galke Hydropower Project
In addition to the Bini à Warak initiative, Savannah Energy is developing its second major renewable project in Cameroon: the 180 MW Mayo Galke hydropower plant. Located on the Mayo Galke River near the town of Ngaoundéré, this project further solidifies the company’s commitment to the region. A PPA has been signed with the government and Eneo, and crucial feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments are expected to be completed by July 2024.
This expansion is part of a broader strategy across the continent. In Chad, Savannah Energy holds a 42.5% stake in the Djermaya Solar project. This initiative involves constructing a 34 MW solar power plant 30 kilometers north of the capital, N’Djamena. The complex solar panel manufacturing process is a critical element in delivering the high-efficiency modules required for such utility-scale installations.
Construction on the Djermaya project is slated to begin, with the first phase anticipated to be operational by the end of 2025. This plant will provide a much-needed clean energy alternative for Chad, which has historically relied on fossil fuels for its electricity.
Savannah Energy’s Commitment to Renewable Energy
Savannah Energy’s growing portfolio underscores its dedication to powering Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future. The projects in Cameroon and Chad are set to significantly increase national grid capacity, reduce carbon emissions, and promote long-term sustainable development. These large-scale ventures are capital-intensive, and understanding the solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown provides insight into the significant investment required to get them off the ground.
As Savannah Energy pushes forward, the company’s search for investors for the Bini à Warak project highlights a collaborative approach to building Africa’s renewable infrastructure. This strategy is expected to attract both local and international partners eager to participate in one of the world’s fastest-growing clean energy markets.
These efforts are a testament to Savannah Energy’s vision for a cleaner, more resilient energy landscape in Africa. By successfully developing these projects, the company is poised to play a crucial role in helping the continent meet its rising energy demands while protecting the environment for future generations.
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