| Work Detail |
The West African country is building various generation resources to reach SDG7 by 2030
Construction launched on 12 November at the 25MWp Forsun Solar PV plant in Pobè, Benin.
The project is the result of cooperation between the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union and the Beninese government to invest almost 16 billion West African Francs ($25.58 million) into building the solar plant.
The plant is located in the town of Pobè, in Plateau Department, in southeastern Benin, close to the international border with Nigeria. The town is located approximately 34km north of Sakété, the capital of Plateau Department.
Benin’s National Electrification Strategy (SNE) is to achieve universal electricity access by 2030.
In 2021, the national electrification rate was 36.5% but this hides wide disparities between access rates in urban (59.2%) and rural areas (6.5%), according to the World Bank’s Benin Country Climate and Development Report.
The Benin Least-cost Electrification Master Plan (2021), which supports the SNE, expects that by 2030, 76% of the population will be connected to the SBEE (Société Béninoise d’Energie Electrique – the Beninese Electrical Energy Society) electricity grid, 15% connected via mini-grids and 9% via solar home kits.
Benin has a highly energy insecure population.
Director General of the Beninese Electricity Production Company Emeric Tokoudagba said the Forsun project constitutes a strategic lever to improve the power supply throughout the country, while providing a solution to the energy insecurity of the population.
Minister of Energy, Water and Mines Séidou Adambi said the infrastructure represents a pillar for Benin’s energy security and a step towards a greener and more resilient future.
The two attended the launch of the Forsun solar plant and took the opportunity to also visit the 25MWp Defisol solar power plant, located in Illoulofin. Defisol is Benin’s first solar power plant, inaugurated in 2022. Toyoat Tsusho (TTC) is currently building the second 25MW plant.
“It is a great satisfaction to see our efforts for Benin’s energy independence materialise through modern and efficient infrastructure,” said Adambi. |
