The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved €28 million in funding to develop solar power plants in Gassi and Lamadji, Chad, as part of its Desert to Power program.
This initiative aims to expand energy access across Africa while supporting Chad’s transition to renewable energy.
The financing includes €20 million in direct support—a combination of loans and grants from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa—and €8 million in financial guarantees.
These guarantees are equally contributed by the African Development Fund and the Green Climate Fund, at €4 million each.
Under Chad’s Desert to Power plan, the project will increase the country’s electricity supply by 20%. Two solar plants, each with a 15-megawatt peak capacity, will be constructed on the outskirts of N’Djamena.
This renewable energy initiative will replace costly, polluting, fuel-based power sources, aligning with Chad’s climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
Comprehensive Project Features
The €41 million project includes:
- Construction of solar power plants.
- New power stations and transmission lines.
- A 6-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system for periods without sunlight.
The total cost will be co-financed by other Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).
Impact and Benefits
Once operational, the solar plants will generate 61 gigawatt-hours of clean, affordable electricity annually. This will reduce Chad’s energy deficit and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 49,000 tons each year. Additionally, the project will:
- Create 200 jobs during construction, with a focus on women and youth.
- Establish 34 permanent positions post-construction.
- Reduce fuel subsidies and improve Chad’s balance of payments by lowering energy imports.
- Generate tax revenue to support economic development.
AfDB’s Vision for Renewable Energy in Chad
Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth, described the project as a milestone in Chad’s renewable energy transition.
He emphasized the bank’s commitment to transformative energy projects that enhance economic growth and energy security.
Wale Shonibare, AfDB Director of Energy Financial Solutions, highlighted the vast renewable energy potential of the Sahel region, stressing that the bank’s innovative solutions and partnerships are key to accelerating energy transitions and sustainable development.
The Gassi and Lamadji Solar PV project aligns with AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy, the New Deal on Energy for Africa, and the High 5 priority to “Light Up and Power Africa.”
It reinforces Chad’s dedication to renewable energy development and AfDB’s broader mission of advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy systems across the continent.
