By 2020, Côte d’Ivoire plans to generate 150 megawatts of solar power as a part of its strategy to keep up with surging energy demands, while safeguarding the environment. The first, 25 megawatt plant, which is being built in Korhogo by Moroccan-based Nova Power is expected to be operational by the end of this year.

Currently, Côte d’Ivoire’s power needs are met by a combination of thermal power (75%) and hydroelectric dams (25%). However, government has pledged to ensure that renewable energy accounts for at least 11% of Côte d’Ivoire’s power supply by 2020.

This may seem like an ambitious target, given the fact that Côte d’Ivoire’s current renewable energy production is negligible. However, the nation’s development partners are on board and prepared to support government’s efforts.

The German government has already committed 27 million Euros from the German national bank, Kfw, and 10 million Euros have been allocated by the European Union to fund construction of a 37.5 megawatt power station in Boundiali. These financial commitments, combined with the increasingly affordable cost of solar plants, have encouraged the Ivorian government to pursue renewable energy projects more aggressively.