The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has announced a significant investment in Chad’s clean energy future. The Board of Directors approved €28 million in funding to construct solar power plants in Gassi and Lamadji, contributing to the Desert to Power program and increasing energy access across Africa.
This €41 million project will be a collaborative effort. The AfDB’s contribution includes a €20 million direct support package, combining a loan and a grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa. Additionally, €8 million in financial guarantees will be split between the African Development Fund and the Green Climate Fund.
The solar plants, each with a capacity of 15-megawatt peak, are expected to generate 61 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually. This will not only address Chad’s energy deficit but also contribute to a 20% increase in the country’s overall power supply.
“The Gassi and Lamadji solar project is a landmark development,” said Kevin Kariuki, Vice President of the Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth complex at the AfDB. “It underscores Chad’s commitment to renewable energy and the Bank’s dedication to supporting clean energy projects across Africa.”
Beyond increased energy access, the project boasts several additional benefits. It will pave the way for Chad’s energy transition away from expensive, polluting fuels. The project also includes battery storage to ensure consistent energy supply and is expected to create 200 jobs during construction, with a focus on women and young people, and 34 permanent positions during operation.
Wale Shonibare, the Bank’s Director of the Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulations department, emphasized the project’s potential as a model for the Sahel region. “This initiative exemplifies the vast potential for renewable energy in the Sahel,” he said.
The environmental impact is significant as well. The project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 49,000 tons annually, supporting Chad’s climate change commitments. Additionally, the project will generate revenue for the national treasury and improve the country’s balance of payments by reducing reliance on energy imports.
This project aligns perfectly with the AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy, the New Deal on Energy for Africa, and its High 5 objective of “Light Up and Power Africa.” By supporting Chad’s transition to renewable energy, the Gassi and Lamadji Solar PV project contributes to a more sustainable and energy-secure future for the country. Sources and related content
