Fully committed to the Sustainable Development Goals, Côte d’Ivoire seeks to diversify its energy mix by increasing the share of renewable resources. To achieve this, the local government is undertaking a range of green energy projects and expanding collaborations while still utilizing fossil resources.
Several renewable energy projects in development
Côte d’Ivoire aims to achieve energy independence and reduce its carbon footprint. Although 94 % of Ivorians have access to electricity, authorities are targeting complete electrification while adhering to the 2021 climate commitments. The country aims to increase the share of renewable sources to 45 % and reduce CO2 emissions by 31.4 % by 2030.
Currently, fossil resources account for 63 % of the country’s electricity mix, while clean energy represents only 31 %. The Ministry of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, in partnership with CI-ENERGIES, oversees this transition. This state-owned company plays a major role, responsible for planning and implementing projects to ensure universal access to electricity.
Solar initiatives : Inauguration of the Boundiali plant
Côte d’Ivoire will inaugurate its first photovoltaic solar plant on April 3, 2024, in Boundiali. This project, co-financed by the Ivorian government, Germany, and the European Union, total 75.6 million EUR. The plant, initially with a capacity of 37.5 MW, will reach 80 MW by the end of 2025, powering 70,000 households and improving electrification for 430,000 families.
Furthermore, the Boundiali plant contributes to reducing the country’s energy sector’s carbon emissions by 60,000 tons per year. Similarly, the solar park in Korhogo demonstrates the country’s commitment to harnessing its potential.
The government has already achieved a significant milestone. In 2023, solar energy represented about 6 % of the national energy mix, up from 0 % in 2017. Another significant initiative is the National Rural Electrification Program (PRONER), aimed at electrifying remote villages.
Companies such as SunPower (USA) and initiatives like Scaling Solar from the World Bank support these efforts. The Ministry of Energy also mentions several cities where photovoltaic farms will soon appear and hopes the share of solar energy will reach 9 %.
Exploring biomass potential
Côte d’Ivoire is also exploring biomass. Derived mainly from agricultural waste, this renewable resource allows energy production while contributing to waste management. Several projects, initiated by startups and experts such as EDF (Electricity of France), are in development.
In July 2023, Biovea Énergie began constructing a plant in Aboisso, using palm oil residues to produce 46 MW of electricity by 2025. In Boundiali, another project utilizes cotton stalks, while in Gagnoa, cocoa pods are used for energy production. EDF, Meridiam, and Biokala (a subsidiary of SIFCA) are collaborating to build the largest biomass plant in West Africa near Abidjan.
Rehabilitation of hydroelectric infrastructure
The Ivorian government is rehabilitating its hydroelectric infrastructure, including the Soubré, Taabo, and Kossou dams, to produce sustainable electricity. These dams account for about 30 % of the country’s energy production. Additionally, their operation creates local jobs and supports agricultural irrigation, stimulating local economies.
Although wind energy is still in its early stages, pilot projects along the Atlantic coast show promising potential. Feasibility studies are underway to identify the most suitable sites for wind turbines, particularly along the Atlantic coast.
Balancing resilience and energy independence
According to the energy master plan for 2040, Côte d’Ivoire aims to achieve an energy production capacity of 8,600 MW. To achieve this, the government does not plan to abandon its fossil resources. In addition to resilience and energy independence goals, the nation also aims to supply West Africa with energy.
Energy diversification including fossil resources
To maintain its regional supplier status while meeting the growing needs of the population and industry, Côte d’Ivoirecontinues to exploit its significant oil and gas resources. The offshore mega-fields of Baleine and Calao, discovered in 2021 and 2024 respectively, promise abundant energy.
The national strategy aims to achieve a balanced energy transition without relinquishing hydrocarbon exploitation. Thus, Côte d’Ivoire is pursuing a balanced energy transition, ensuring its development while adapting to global environmental and economic challenges.
Ambitious goals in the energy sector
During the inauguration of the Boundiali solar plant, Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé reaffirmed the Ivorian President’s intention to position the country as a key supplier for the region. Currently, about 11 % of Ivorian electricity is exported to neighboring countries including Ghana and Mali.
The government also plans to become an oil exporter in the coming years and to join the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), making the extractive industry a crucial driver of national growth, alongside agriculture.
