Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 10, Tongon Solaire has secured an agreement to develop a solar power plant in M’Bengue, located in Ivory Coast’s northern Poro region, under a build, own, operate, and transfer model. The project, set to be operational before the end of 2027, will provide electricity to meet the annual needs of 30,000 households.

Abdul Soukpafolo Koné, General Manager of Tongon Solaire, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating: “To have a 100% Ivorian company today lead a project of this magnitude, estimated at XOF 33 billion ($58.6 million), is a source of pride but also a great responsibility.” The project underscores the growing role of local expertise in advancing Ivory Coast’s renewable energy sector.

Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, Ivory Coast’s Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, noted: “The contributions of solar plants currently under development will take Ivory Coast’s solar capacity from 42 MW this year to 925 MW by 2030.” This expansion aligns with the nation’s goal to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix to 45% by 2030.

The M’Bengue solar plant is part of a broader effort to enhance Ivory Coast’s renewable energy infrastructure. Other projects include the 50 MW Bondoukou solar power plant, where construction began in February 2024 by Dubai-based Amea Power. Additionally, in 2024, the government signed agreements for three solar plants in Ferkessédougou, Kong, and Katiola, each with a capacity of 50 to 52 MW. These are among 12 planned solar projects with a combined capacity of 678 MW.

In June 2024, Ci-Energies, Ivory Coast’s state-run utility, launched tenders for two 100 MW solar plants, each integrated with 33 MWh of storage capacity. These initiatives reflect the country’s commitment to scaling up clean energy production to meet growing demand sustainably.

The M’Bengue project, led by Tongon Solaire, highlights Ivory Coast’s progress toward a cleaner energy future, fostering local economic growth and supporting the nation’s ambitious renewable energy targets.