Ten IPPs in Run for Developing 60 MW Solar PV Plants in Ivory Coast

The Ivorian Government and the World Bank’s private sector financing subsidiary, International Finance Corporation (IFC) have recently announced the results of the pre-qualification process for two 60 MWp solar photovoltaic power plants in the country. These projects are implemented through public-private partnerships (PPP), under an agreement signed between the government and the IFC.

Ivory Coast has joined the World Bank Group’s “Scaling Solar” program in November 2019, which aims to develop 60MW of grid-connected solar power in the country through two PPP projects, creating a new regional market for solar investment. The two solar photovoltaic power plants will be developed in La Boa and Touba, both located in the Bafing region of the western Ivory Coast.

The government and IFC announced the results of the pre-qualification process for the financing and construction of these solar power plants, just a few months after the tender launch for these facilities in June this year.

A total of ten companies have been selected to continue the qualification process. Among these companies, the French investment company Meridiam and Electricité de France (EDF) group’s subsidiary EDF Renewals have decided to work in the consortium.

Top companies including the French company Voltalia, Norwegian IPP Scatec, the British Globeleq, and the Italian Enel Green Power have come forward to build these projects. Egyptian company Elsewedy, Infinity Power Holding, and Nareva Holding, Moroccan group Al Mada’s subsidiary, are also among the potential developers of the solar plants.

The selected IPPs will build solar photovoltaic power plants capable of delivering 60 MW to the Ivory Coast’s national grid. These projects are in line with Ivory Coast’s target to generate 42% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030.

The Scaling Solar program is an IFC initiative to leverage public-private partnerships (PPPs) for the rapid construction and operation of solar PV plants at competitive tariffs in developing countries, particularly in Africa. The program aims to exploit the abundant solar resources and provide clean energy to the African peoples, especially those living in rural areas. Among the West African countries, this program also benefits Senegal, Togo, and Niger by adding solar power to their national grids.