Cameroon’s Electricity Sector Regulatory Authority (ARSEL) has started reviewing two proposed solar power projects with a combined capacity of 294 MW, as the country looks to expand renewable energy generation in the Centre and Adamawa regions. The regulatory review is focused on assessing the technical, legal and financial aspects of the projects before they advance to the next stages of development.
The larger project is a 250 MW solar photovoltaic facility planned in Ntui in Cameroon’s Centre region. The project is being developed with the involvement of international and local engineering companies and is expected to supply renewable electricity to the national grid. The proposed plant is intended to strengthen power availability while increasing the contribution of solar energy to Cameroon’s electricity mix.
The development of the Ntui solar project is also expected to support diversification of electricity generation. Cameroon has traditionally relied significantly on hydropower, making additional solar capacity an option for reducing dependence on a single major renewable generation source. The project could also contribute to improving electricity availability for businesses and households in areas facing supply constraints.
The second project under review is a 44 MW solar power facility proposed in Banyo, in the Adamawa region. Unlike the larger Ntui project, the Banyo development is planned with a battery energy storage system. The combination of solar generation and battery storage is intended to improve the reliability and flexibility of electricity supply.
The battery system would allow electricity produced during periods of strong solar irradiation to be stored and supplied later when solar generation declines or demand increases. Such an arrangement can help address the variable nature of solar generation and provide additional support to local electricity networks.
ARSEL’s ongoing review will provide regulatory guidance for both projects and help ensure that the proposed developments comply with Cameroon’s electricity-sector requirements. The review covers key aspects that need to be addressed before the projects can proceed toward implementation.
Both projects remain at the preliminary development stage, and no official power purchase agreements have been finalized so far. Their progress will therefore depend on the completion of regulatory assessments, project development activities and other commercial requirements.
Together, the proposed 294 MW of solar capacity represents a significant planned addition to Cameroon’s renewable energy pipeline. The projects are expected to support the country’s efforts to increase clean electricity generation, improve regional power availability and strengthen the role of renewable energy in meeting future electricity demand.
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