Construction kicks off for Côte d'Ivoire's largest solar plant

From the newsletter

Côte d’Ivoire has commenced construction of the $65 million Ferke Solar plant, which will add 52.42 MW to its solar capacity by late 2025. Originally announced in 2024, this is the country’s second plant following the 37.5 MW Boundiali power plant completed in 2023, and it will be the largest in the country upon completion.

• Situated in Ferkéssédougou, approximately 30 kilometers north of Abidjan, the project is being developed by PFO Energies, a subsidiary of PFO Africa, and is currently under construction on a 70-hectare site. Workers have already begun installing 70,000 next-generation solar panels.

• The plant will generate 90 GWh annually, nearly doubling the country’s solar capacity, powering 370,000 households, and supporting the country’s target of achieving 45% renewable energy by 2030.

More details

• Backed by Germany and the European Union, the Ferke Solar Project stems from a January 2024 agreement signed with renewable energy firm PFO Africa.

• It stands out due to its ambitious goal of achieving 100% electrification, having already reached 94% while advancing its energy transition to meet its 2021 climate goals. These include a 31% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

• As of 2025, solar energy accounts for a mere 1% of Côte d’Ivoire's electricity generation. The majority of its power comes from fossil fuels, primarily natural gas (approximately 69%), with hydropower contributing around 30%.

• The Ferke Solar Project thus represents a significant development in solar power within the country. It is not only in alignment with the government manifesto to reduce fossil fuel dependency, It supports the broader goal of expanding energy capacity to 3,500 MW by 2025, 5,200 MW by 2030, and 8,600 MW by 2040 by adding renewable energy sources.

• Funding is provided by the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) of the Private Infrastructure Development Group and the West African Development Bank (BOAD), which contributed $55.6 million in December 2024 for the plant's construction.

• This funding positions Côte d’Ivoire as an attractive location for investors and companies looking to tap into the country’s renewable energy potential, particularly in solar power. Solar energy's share in Côte d’Ivoire is expected to reach 9% within five years, with capacity set to expand to 80 MW later this year.

• Additionally, other solar projects are underway, such as the 50 MW solar power plant in Katiola, led by Katiola Solar Power, a subsidiary of JC Mont-Fort, valued at $52.69 million.

• In 2024, the country’s Prime Minister, Robert Beugré Mambé, announced that contracts were under review for the construction of new solar power plants with a combined capacity of 600 MW, scheduled for completion in 2025 and 2026. One of these projects includes a 50 MW solar plant developed by Emirati firm Amea Power, which invested $60 million in a public-private partnership. 

• This plant will be integrated into the grid operated by Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Électricité, which has agreed to purchase its energy output for 25 years. Additionally, Masdar, an Emirati state-owned company, is considering developing a solar power plant with a capacity of 50–70 MW.

Our take

• Despite an ideal irradiation of 3510 Wh/m², Côte d’Ivoire's adaptation to solar power has been slow. While the country's stable grid is predominantly powered by hydropower, solar energy presents enormous potential to help achieve its ambitious goal of a 45% renewable energy mix and a 31.4% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

• Private financing remains a significant obstacle for renewable energy projects in Africa. If addressed, it could lead to a proliferation of renewable energy projects on the continent, reducing reliance on fossil fuels for power and lowering electricity costs.

• With the creation of 600 local jobs, the Ferke Solar Plant demonstrates the immense potential of renewable energy projects to drive regional development and improve the lives of local communities.  These projects offer lasting benefits for both citizens and the government.