Comoros Starts 3 Solar Power Plants with $43M

The Union of Comoros is embarking on a major energy transformation through the launch of the Comoros Solar Energy Access Project (PAESC), a strategic initiative designed to bolster the nation’s grid stability and expand electricity access. Backed by approximately $43 million in funding from the World Bank, the project will establish a network of three solar power plants coupled with battery storage across the archipelago’s main islands, marking a significant move away from dependence on costly diesel generators.

A Tri-Island Initiative as Comoros Starts 3 Solar Power Plants with $43M

The core of the project involves the development of a combined 9 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity integrated with 19 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage. The rollout is specifically tailored to each island’s needs: Grand Comore will host a 6 MW solar facility paired with a 15 MWh battery system, Anjouan will receive a 2 MW plant with 3 MWh of storage, and Mohéli is set to gain a 1 MW plant with a 1 MWh battery. This ambitious undertaking aims to reduce national fuel use by up to 14% and provide a more reliable power supply for residents and businesses.

Modernizing the National Grid as Comoros Starts 3 Solar Power Plants with $43M

Beyond the construction of new solar power plants, a critical component of the PAESC is the modernization of the electrical grid. The national utility, Sonelec, will oversee significant upgrades to the electricity distribution network to accommodate the new renewable energy sources. A key feature of this overhaul is the creation of a new dispatching center, which will enable Sonelec to effectively balance power supply and demand, ensuring a more stable and efficient grid as the country integrates more renewables into its energy mix.

World Bank Support as Comoros Starts 3 Solar Power Plants with $43M Project Implementation

The World Bank’s financial package is pivotal, with funds specifically allocated to various project components, including $13.3 million for the PV plants and $9.7 million for the battery storage systems. The Comorian government, through Sonelec, initiated the implementation phase by issuing a call for bids to design, construct, and operate the facilities, with a deadline for expressions of interest set for December 21, 2023. This project not only aims to address immediate power shortages but also to build a sustainable model for long-term access to clean energy, fostering economic development and improving quality of life across the islands.

Sources

1. 6.3 MW Solar Plant – Projects – Arab Urban Development Institute
2. China grants 200 million Comorian Francs to install 500 household …
3. [PDF] The World Bank
4. Comoros Solar Electricity Access Project – Early Warning System
5. Comoros Electricity Generation Mix 2023 | Low-Carbon Power Data
6. 10 Largest Solar Projects in Comoros – SolarFinanced Africa
7. Union Of The Comoros Solar Energy Project: SONELEC Invites Bids …
8. Inauguration of a new solar power plant in the Comoros
9. Comoros to revamp its solar-plus-storage offerings, network