Ivory Coast’s Solar Power Milestone: Inauguration Of Boundiali Plant With 37.5 MW Capacity

Ivory Coast unveiled its inaugural solar power facility aligning with its ambition to derive 45 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

Situated in Boundiali, a town in the north with a population of 40,000, the 37.5-megawatt (MW) plant is anticipated to enhance electricity access for over 430,000 households, with a focus on rural areas, according to the Ivorian Ministry of Energy.

Although the solar plant constitutes a modest portion of Ivory Coast’s energy production—currently dominated by thermal energy and hydroelectric dams—it signifies a significant step towards the country’s energy transition objectives.

Myriam Ferran, representing the European Commission’s International Partnerships, lauded the project during the inauguration ceremony, highlighting Ivory Coast’s commitment to renewable energy expansion.

As of 2022, electricity coverage in the country had increased to 82 percent from 33 percent in 2011. The ceremony in Boundiali also marked the commencement of a 75.6 million euro ($81.9 million) initiative to expand the solar plant, jointly funded by Germany, the European Union, and Ivory Coast.