In a bold move towards a greener future, Côte d’Ivoire is ramping up its renewable energy efforts. The country aims to have 45% of its energy mix from renewable sources by 2030. Currently, natural gas dominates, but solar energy projects like Katiola and Ferkéssédougou are gaining momentum.
The FERKE SOLAR Project: A Beacon of Progress
On February 2, the Ivorian government launched the FERKE SOLAR photovoltaic power plant project. This 52.42 MWp plant is led by PFO Energies, a subsidiary of PFO Africa. With an investment of $65 million, the project is key to the national renewable energy strategy.
Located in Ferké, 230 km north of Bouaké, the plant will cover 70 hectares. It will feature 70,000 state-of-the-art photovoltaic panels. These panels will generate 90 GWh of clean energy annually, enough to power 370,000 homes. The project is set to be operational by the end of 2025 and will create over 600 local jobs during construction.
Financing the Future
In December 2024, PFO Energies secured €52 million from the EAAIF Fund and the West African Development Bank (BOAD). This funding shows the growing confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s renewable energy potential.
A Broader Movement
The FERKE SOLAR project is part of Côte d’Ivoire’s broader push to attract international private financing for solar energy. Recently, the country partnered with Katiola Solar Power, a subsidiary of Swiss industrialist JC Mont-Fort, for a 50 MWp solar plant. This project, backed by a $52.69 million investment, marks another significant milestone.
Ambitious Goals for 2030
With a significant portion of its energy already coming from renewable sources, Côte d’Ivoire is well on its way to meeting its 2030 targets. The integration of new solar projects into the existing infrastructure is crucial for this goal.