Côte d’Ivoire Launches Construction of a 50 MW Solar Power Plant in Katiola

As part of an ambitious drive towards energy transition, the Ivorian government has officially approved the construction of a 50 MW photovoltaic solar power plant in Katiola, located in the Hambol region in the country’s center-north. The project, valued at 33 billion CFA francs (approximately 53 million USD), will be carried out through a public-private partnership with Katiola Solar Power, a subsidiary of the Swiss group JC Mont-Fort.

This solar plant is a key component of the national strategy to diversify Côte d’Ivoire’s energy mix. Currently, renewable energy accounts for 31% of the country’s electricity production, but solar energy represents only about 1%. The government aims to increase the share of renewables to 45% by 2030, with solar energy contributing 8%.

Equipped with over 89,000 solar panels, each with a capacity of 560 Wp, the Katiola plant is expected to produce nearly 86,000 MWh of electricity annually. This production will significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels and prevent approximately 4,750 tons of CO₂ emissions each year, supporting climate change mitigation efforts.

Economically and socially, the project promises positive impacts. Around 160 direct jobs will be created during construction, and 30 permanent jobs will be maintained during operation. The plant is scheduled to be commissioned by the fourth quarter of 2026, 15 months after the concession agreement was signed.

This initiative reflects the Ivorian government’s commitment to attracting private investment in the energy sector while honoring its international climate commitments. It is also part of the 2022-2040 Master Plan for electricity production and transmission, which aims to increase the country’s power generation capacity from 2,907 MW in 2023 to 8,600 MW by 2040.

In summary, the Katiola solar power plant marks a significant step towards a more sustainable Côte d’Ivoire, capable of meeting growing electricity demand while protecting the environment.