Dubai-based AMEA Power has officially broken ground on a 50-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Ivory Coast.
The Bondoukou solar PV power plant, located in the north-eastern region of Gontougo, is set to generate 85 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually, enough to power approximately 358,000 households.
The project will also offset more than 52,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, contributing to the fight against climate change.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, Ivory Coast’s Minister of Mines, Oil, and Energy, and David Falcon, Chief Financial Officer of AMEA Power.
The $60 million project is being financed by FMO and DEG, two prominent development finance institutions, and is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting the Ivorian government’s goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix to 45% by 2030.
Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power, emphasized the significance of the project.
“The 50MW solar plant is a landmark achievement for Ivory Coast and a testament to AMEA Power’s dedication to delivering clean energy solutions across Africa.
This groundbreaking ceremony is an important symbol of partnership, and we are proud to partner with the government and the people of Ivory Coast on this transformative journey,” he said.
The project is a culmination of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed by the Government of Ivory Coast and AMEA Power in 2023.
Once completed, the Bondoukou Solar PV plant will mark AMEA Power’s first operational asset in Ivory Coast. The company is also developing an additional 50MW solar PV project in the country, which is currently in advanced stages of development.
These initiatives underscore AMEA Power’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Africa and supporting the continent’s transition to sustainable energy sources.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the project is expected to drive socio-economic development in the region. AMEA Power has pledged to work closely with local communities through its ‘Community Investment and Development Programs.’
These programmes, the company has said, will focus on key areas such as gender equality, education, and skills training, ensuring that the project leaves a lasting positive impact on the lives of residents.
The Bondoukou Solar PV project represents a significant milestone in Ivory Coast’s renewable energy journey.
By harnessing the power of solar energy, the country is taking a decisive step toward reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, enhancing energy security, and creating a more sustainable future.
For AMEA Power, the project reinforces its position as a leading player in the global renewable energy sector and highlights its commitment to driving clean energy adoption across Africa.
This is the latest investment in solar energy by AMEA Power in Africa after a 500 MW Abydos solar PV plant inaugurated in Egypt last year.
AMEA Power also plans to construct a larger 1,000-megawatt solar PV facility south of Cairo.
