| Work Detail |
The project will build two solar power plants in the outskirts of N’Djamena, each able to produce 15MW of peak electricity
The African Development Bank Group’s (AfDB) Board of Directors approved €28 million ($29,060,08) in funding for solar power plants in Gassi and Lamadji, Chad. This is part of the Bank’s Desert to Power initiative to improve electricity access throughout Africa.
According to AfDB, the funding includes €20 million ($20,769,186.80) in direct support, combining a loan and a grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, plus €8 million ($8,310,220.56) in financial guarantees. These guarantees are split equally between the African Development Fund and the Green Climate Fund, which both contribute €4 million ($4,155,110.28) each to support this clean energy project.
The programme is expected to increase power supply by 20% and pave the way for the country’s energy transition from expensive, polluting, fuel-based power to clean energy.
The project will build two solar power plants in the outskirts of N’Djamena, each able to produce 15 megawatts of peak electricity.
It also includes new power stations, connection lines and a 6MWh battery system to store energy for when the sun isn’t shining. The total project cost is estimated at €41 million ($42.6m). The bank’s financing is in addition to financing expected from other Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).
Kevin Kariuki, Vice President of the Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth complex at the African Development Bank, said: “The Gassi and Lamadji solar project is a landmark development that underscores Chad’s strong commitment to the transition to renewable energy under the Desert to Power Initiative and the Bank’s continued commitment to supporting transformative, clean energy projects across the continent. This project not only facilitates the Government of Chad’s efforts to increase access to energy through renewable energy but also drives local economic growth and strengthens the country’s energy security.”
Pioneering solar power project to increase energy access and create job opportunities in Chad
Wale Shonibare, the Bank’s Director of the Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulations department, added that as a pioneering solar project in Chad, this initiative exemplifies the scale of renewable energy potential in the Sahel region.
“It demonstrates how strong partnerships and the Bank’s deployment of its suite of instruments and innovative solutions can advance the energy transition and foster sustainable economic development.”
AfDB said the solar plants are expected to generate 61GWh of clean, reliable, and affordable energy each year, responding to Chad’s energy deficit.
“This will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 49,000 tonnes each year, helping Chad meet its climate change commitments under the Paris Agreement,” they said. |
