Energy mix diversification in Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire is working to diversify its energy sources, with natural gas currently supplying 69 % of the country's electricity and solar energy contributing only 1 %. This shift is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy.

Binguébougou solar project begins

The Binguébougou solar power plant, with a capacity of 50 megawatts-peak (MWc), has started construction in the Poro region. The project was inaugurated on 24 October by Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, the minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, who laid the first stone of this photovoltaic facility.

Project backed by Emirati company

The Binguébougou project is supported by Korhogo Solaire, a company associated with the Emirati group AMEA Power. The initiative, which began in 2016 with a concession agreement, was later expanded to double the original capacity of 25 MWc to 50 MWc after a government decree in March 2025.

Expected benefits of the project

According to the Ivoirian Press Agency (AIP), the Binguébougou solar plant is expected to provide electricity to over 300,000 people and meet the needs of more than 100,000 households. The project is also anticipated to help reduce carbon emissions, though specific figures were not provided.

Solar projects expanding in northern Côte d'Ivoire

The Binguébougou project coincides with the development of other solar initiatives in northern Côte d'Ivoire. The Katiola and M'Bengué solar power plants, each with a capacity of 50 MWc, also began construction in late October, adding to the region's growing solar infrastructure.

Future solar plans for Côte d'Ivoire

The government aims to build more than 15 solar power plants by 2030, with a combined capacity of 1262 MW. This would increase the share of renewable energy in the country's electricity mix to 45 %, as reported by the Ivoirian Press Agency (AIP).