Will a lithium-ion battery energy storage system be installed in Côte d'Ivoire?

A lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) made by Saft will be installed at a 37.5MWp solar PV power plant in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). It is the African country’s first-ever large-scale solar project and the batteries will be used to smooth and integrate the variable output of the PV modules for export to the local electricity grid.

Why did Ivory Coast build its first solar power plant?

As part of its drive to diversify electricity generation sources and increase the share of renewable energies in its energy mix (45% by 2030), Ivory Coast commissioned RMT to build the country's very first photovoltaic solar power plant, with a capacity of 37.5 MWp, spread over 69,440 550 Wp solar panels and 168 inverter-strings of 250 kVA.

Who builds a solar power plant in Ivory Coast?

RMT builds a 37.5 MWp solar power plant and installs Boundiali photovoltaic solar power plant in northern Ivory Coast was built in partnership with the country’s government, in particular CI-ENERGIES, and with financial support from Germany. It has been in operation since July 2023.

What is Boundiali power plant's battery energy storage system?

"Boundiali power plant is equipped with a 10 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to even out the energy produced by the photovoltaic panels.

Where is a new solar plant in Côte d'Ivoire?

The recently inaugurated solar plant in Boundiali, Ivory Coast. Image Source: RMT, Eiffage Energie Système A new solar plant that can supply electricity to up to 35,000 homes has been inaugurated in Côte d’Ivoire. Located in Boundiali in the north of the country, the plant has already been providing up to 37MW of power since June 2023.

Why is Côte d'Ivoire launching a solar power plant?

“The solar power plant is regarded as a model project for the expansion of solar energy in Côte d’Ivoire. It is an important contribution to the fight against climate change and a decisive step towards increasing the share of renewable energies in the country’s electricity supply to 45% by 2030,” said KfW.