Scatec Expands its Solar Capacity in Cameroon to 64.4 MW

Renewable energy provider Scatec is significantly bolstering its presence in Cameroon, signing new lease agreements with the national utility, ENEO, to nearly double the capacity of its solar and battery storage facilities. The expansion will add 28.6 MW of solar power and 19.2 MWh of battery energy storage, bringing the total capacity to an impressive 64.4 MW of solar and 38.2 MWh of storage.

This new phase builds on the successful commissioning of the initial 35.8 MW solar and 19 MWh battery plants in Maroua and Guider in September 2023. Those projects, delivered through Scatec’s ‘Release’ initiative in partnership with Izuba Energy and Sphinx Energy, established a new model for deploying adaptable renewable energy solutions. With additional funding secured from Climate Fund Managers, this expansion reinforces the strategic partnership between Scatec and ENEO.

Amine Homman Ludiye, CEO of ENEO Cameroon, praised the collaboration, stating, “ENEO Cameroon has renewed its confidence in its Scatec partner Release to double the capacity of the solar power plants in Guider and Maroua. This decision will allow Eneo to increase the security of power generation in the Northern areas while also increasing service quality for consumers and the industrial sector.” He emphasized that this step towards reliable, carbon-free energy is a core part of ENEO’s strategy, supported by the Government of Cameroon.

The project’s innovative leasing model is designed for rapid and efficient deployment of clean energy. Hans Olav Kvalvaag, CEO of Release, noted the project’s success. “This extension demonstrates the success of the previous projects and the advantages provided by our creative solution,” he said. “By extending the installed capacity in the country, we confirm our relationship with ENEO and commitment to Cameroon as a crucial market for our solutions.” Kvalvaag added that these agreements serve as a blueprint for delivering affordable, clean power across the region.

Once fully operational, the expanded facilities are projected to generate approximately 141.5 GWh of electricity annually, sufficient to meet the energy needs of around 200,000 Cameroonian households. According to a company report, the integrated battery storage will be critical in ensuring a stable power supply, especially during peak demand hours, and reducing grid outages.

The impact extends beyond electricity access. H.E. Gaston Eloundou Essomba, Minister of Water and Energy for the Republic of Cameroon, highlighted the economic and environmental benefits. “Our effective collaboration with Release by Scatec has significantly benefited the local population in northern Cameroon by reducing outages,” he stated. “This new project will further reduce our reliance on diesel and save the government millions in fuel costs.” The project’s use of advanced solar panel technology is key to this transition away from fossil fuels, marking a significant step in enhancing the nation’s energy infrastructure sustainably.

Sources

1. Scatec expands Maroua and Guider solar PV plants in Cameroon
2. Cameroon Expands Solar and Storage Capacity With Scatec’s …
3. Release by Scatec to expand solar, storage capacity in Cameroon
4. Release wins Utility Scale Solar Project of the Year – Scatec’s Release
5. Release by Scatec extends solar plants in Cameroon by 28.6 MW …
6. [PDF] Second quarter and first half report – Scatec
7. Scatec JV Release to expand solar power plants in Cameroon