The African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) has committed €6 million in concessional finance to support the development of an 18 MW solar power plant in Dédougou, Burkina Faso.
The funding package includes a €2.5 million senior concessional loan and a €3.5 million reimbursable grant, complemented by loans from the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO).
The Dédougou Solar Power Plant is part of the Desert-to-Power initiative, a flagship program led by the African Development Bank aimed at transforming the Sahel region into a major solar energy hub.
The project aligns with Burkina Faso’s national roadmap and will help increase the country’s energy generation capacity, diversify its energy mix, and provide reliable and affordable electricity to support economic growth and local livelihoods.
The project is expected to have a significant impact on the region, reducing electricity costs and boosting access to energy. It will also prioritize sustainability through a comprehensive Environmental and Social Management System, ensuring responsible operations and mitigating potential environmental and social risks.
Dr. Daniel Schroth, Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank, hailed the project as a significant milestone for Burkina Faso and the Sahel region, demonstrating the potential for solar energy to drive inclusive and sustainable development.
Abdoulaye Toure, CFO of Qair Africa, the project’s developer, expressed gratitude to SEFA and FMO for their support, saying it marked a significant milestone in Qair’s journey in Burkina Faso and reflected the company’s commitment to accelerating the energy transition across Africa.
The Dédougou Solar Power Plant is expected to serve as a model for future renewable energy projects in the Sahel region, accelerating the transition towards sustainable power and fostering economic growth and development.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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