Central African Republic Launches 25-Megawatt Solar Park To Power Capital And Boost Sustainable Development

In a landmark move towards sustainable development, the Central African Republic inaugurated the Danzi solar park, a 25-megawatt solar facility equipped with battery storage, situated just 18 kilometers from the capital, Bangui. President Faustin-Archange Touadera and World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, officiated the inauguration, marking a significant stride in the country’s commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The Danzi solar plant is poised to supply electricity to 250,000 residents in Bangui, nearly doubling the nation’s electricity generation capacity. With an electrification rate of 35% in the capital and even lower percentages in provincial areas, the project reflects the Central African Republic’s dedication to leveraging the energy sector for inclusive growth and increased access to electricity.

President Faustin-Archange Touadera emphasized the transformative impact of the project on various aspects of people’s lives, including household electricity, lighting in educational and healthcare institutions, refrigeration, and enhanced electricity access for businesses of all scales.

Supported by the World Bank through grant funding from the International Development Association (IDA), the Danzi solar park is a collaborative effort between the government and the international organization. The project builds on the successes of the Emergency Electricity Supply and Access Project (PURACEL) and the Water and Electricity Upgrading Project (PASEEL).

Ousmane Diagana, World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, highlighted the economic significance of the project, noting that increased access to electricity for health centers, schools, and businesses will enhance productivity and spur job creation.

The Danzi solar park is anticipated to replace more than 90% of energy currently produced by diesel fuel, contributing over $4 million annually to the National Electricity Company. Additionally, it is expected to result in a net reduction of emissions by 670,674 metric tons of CO2.

This project aligns with the broader Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project (PARSE), designed to promote electrification beyond the capital through mini-grid initiatives and the distribution of solar kits to households, public entities, and businesses.

The successful implementation of the Danzi solar park represents the government’s facilitation mechanisms, including national counterparts, efficient monitoring by the Ministry of Development, Energy, and Hydraulic Resources, and collaborative efforts with the World Bank.

This initiative is the inaugural step in the Central African Republic’s comprehensive plan to develop clean energy, encompassing large-scale solar projects, mini-grids, and off-grid solutions. By 2030, the nation aims to provide electricity access to nearly half of its population, a significant increase from the current 16%.