All You Need To Know About Cote d’Ivoire’s Energy Sector – A deep dive into Renewable Energy in Cote d’Ivoire
Renewable energy, specifically solar energy, is becoming increasingly important worldwide as countries seek to reduce their carbon footprints and address climate change.
Cote d’Ivoire is a country in West Africa with an estimated population of over 28 million people, and more than 60% of the population is under the age of 25. The country has a diverse population, with more than 60 ethnic groups, and the official language is French.
In terms of energy capacity, Cote d’Ivoire has an installed capacity of around 2,300 MW, with a mix of thermal, hydropower, and renewable energy sources. However, the country is facing an increasing demand for energy due to its growing economy and population.
The energy sector in Cote d’Ivoire is dominated by thermal power generation, which accounts for more than 80% of the country’s electricity generation. Hydropower contributes around 18% of the country’s electricity generation, while renewable energy sources such as solar and wind account for less than 2%.
In recent years, Cote d’Ivoire has been investing in renewable energy, particularly solar energy, to diversify its energy mix and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
The government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy development and has launched several initiatives to promote solar energy, such as the installation of solar panels on public buildings and the implementation of net metering regulations.
In terms of the youth population, Cote d’Ivoire has a large and growing youth population that represents a significant demographic and economic opportunity for the country.
Top 10 Solar Companies in Cote d’Ivoire
Below is a comprehensive list of solar energy companies in Cote d’Ivoire.
1. Akuo Energy
Akuo Energy is a leading renewable energy company in Cote d’Ivoire, with a focus on solar and wind power. The company operates two solar power plants in the country, with a total capacity of 37 MW.
2. GreenYellow
GreenYellow is a French company that specializes in solar energy and energy efficiency solutions. The company has installed several solar PV systems in Cote d’Ivoire, including a 1 MW system at the International School of Abidjan.
3. Globeleq
Globeleq is an independent power producer that has been operating in Africa for over 20 years. The company has a 66 MW solar power plant in Cote d’Ivoire that provides electricity to over 1 million people.
4. SunPower
SunPower is a US-based solar energy company that has installed several solar PV systems in Cote d’Ivoire, including a 1.2 MW system at the Azito power plant.
5. TOTAL Eren
TOTAL Eren is a renewable energy company that is jointly owned by French oil giant TOTAL and renewable energy developer EREN. The company has a 60 MW solar power plant in Cote d’Ivoire that provides electricity to over 100,000 households.
6. Vivo Energy
Vivo Energy is a leading downstream oil company in Africa that has recently expanded into renewable energy. The company has installed several solar PV systems in Cote d’Ivoire, including a 2.2 MW system at the Felix Houphouet Boigny University.
7. Scatec Solar
Scatec Solar is a Norwegian company that specializes in the development, construction, and operation of solar power plants. The company has a 33 MW solar power plant in Cote d’Ivoire that provides electricity to over 90,000 households.
8. Aldwych International
Aldwych International is an infrastructure development company that has been operating in Africa for over 20 years. The company has a 46 MW solar power plant in Cote d’Ivoire that provides electricity to over 100,000 households.
9. Voltalia
Voltalia is a French renewable energy company that has a 32 MW solar power plant in Cote d’Ivoire. The plant provides electricity to over 50,000 households.
10. EDF Energies Nouvelles
EDF Energies Nouvelles is a subsidiary of French utility company EDF that specializes in renewable energy. The company has a 55 MW solar power plant in Cote d’Ivoire that provides electricity to over 100,000 households.
Status of Solar Energy in Cote d’Ivoire
Cote d’Ivoire has made significant progress in the development of solar energy in recent years. In 2016, the government launched a program to promote the development of renewable energy, with a target of generating 42% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
As of 2021, solar energy accounts for approximately 2% of the country’s total electricity generation. However, the government has ambitious plans to increase this to 11% by 2025 and 16% by 2030.
Cote d’Ivoire has a high potential for solar energy, with an average of 5.5 hours of sunlight per day throughout the year. However, the country’s solar energy sector is still in its early stages of development. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in 2018, Cote d’Ivoire had only 90 MW of installed solar capacity, which represents less than 1% of the country’s total electricity generation capacity.
Despite the low installed capacity, the government has set ambitious targets for solar energy development. In 2019, Cote d’Ivoire announced a target to install 424 MW of solar capacity by 2030. The government has also launched several initiatives to promote solar energy, such as the installation of solar panels on public buildings and the implementation of net metering regulations.
Cote d’Ivoire’s Approach on Renewable Energy
Cote d’Ivoire has been actively promoting renewable energy as a way to diversify its energy mix and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. In addition to solar energy, the country has also been investing in other renewable energy sources, such as hydropower and biomass.
The government has set a target to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s electricity mix to 42% by 2030, up from the current level of around 13%.
To achieve this target, the government has been implementing various measures, such as the establishment of a legal and regulatory framework for renewable energy, the promotion of public-private partnerships, and the provision of incentives for renewable energy investments.
Conclusion
Cote d’Ivoire has been making significant strides in promoting renewable energy, particularly solar energy, as a way to meet its growing energy demand and reduce its carbon footprint.
While the solar energy sector is still in its early stages of development, the country’s ambitious targets and supportive policy framework suggest that there is significant potential for growth in the renewable energy sector.
This article was written by TRAORE CHEICK LADJI who is a SolarEyes Contributor. More information about SolarEyes Contributors can be found on this link: https://solareyesinternational.com/solareyes-international-contributors/
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