Kaya solar starts construction

Energy minister Bachir Ismaël Ouedraogo launched construction on 10 September for a 10MW solar PV plant in Kaya, Centre-Nord region. France’s Engie Ineo, India’s Mohan Energy Corporation, Unitech Power Transmission and KEC International,  China’s  TBEA  and  Shandong  Taikai  Power Engineering, and Inner Mongolia Electric Power Survey & Design Institute (IMPSDI) will build the state-owned solar plant and three transmission lines: the 83km 225kV Pâ-Diebougou line, 60km 225kV Ziniaré-Kaya line, and 60km 90kV Wona- Dédougou line.Work is expected to take 12 to 14 months.

The $12.4m solar scheme is part of the World Bank Electricity Sector Support Project. Both Kaya and its sister project, the 20MW Koudougou solar plant, were initially scheduled to begin operating in 2019. Sonabel issued a tender in December 2018 for construction and technical assistance for the turnkey project, including a two-year O&M contract.The project is now expected online by November 2021

A 38MW solar PV project in Matourkou, Hauts-Bassins being developed by Africa REN is in the process of reaching financial close, the French company told African Energy. Following delays due to the pandemic, construction is expected to begin by year- end.