(Ecofin Agency) - • Qair has begun constructing two 15 MWp solar plants in N'Djamena with 30 MWp of total storage.
• The facilities will generate 65 GWh annually, serving around 260,000 people.
• Developed under a 20-year BOOT model, the plants will be transferred to Chad post-contract.

French renewable energy company Qair has launched construction of two hybrid solar power plants with integrated storage systems in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad. The project, announced on May 16, 2025, represents a strategic response to the country’s persistent power deficits and limited electricity access.

Located in the neighborhoods of Gassi-Bagoum and Lamadji-Achawail, each facility will have a capacity of 15 MWp, supported by a 4 MW/4 MWh battery storage system. Together, the plants are expected to generate 65 GWh of electricity annually, providing enough power for approximately 260,000 people.

The installations will feature nearly 48,500 high-yield photovoltaic modules equipped with solar tracking technology and autonomous restart capability in case of power outages. The infrastructure is being developed under a 20-year BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) contract. After the operating period ends, Qair will transfer ownership of the assets to the Chadian government for a nominal fee, supporting long-term energy sovereignty.

Marc Galinier, Qair’s Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, praised the partnership, stating: “This collaboration shows that when public and private sectors join forces, extraordinary achievements are possible.”

The significance of the project lies not only in its output but also in its context. Chad has one of the lowest electricity access rates in Africa—just 12% nationwide as of 2023, and below 50% in urban areas, according to World Bank data. The country’s energy mix remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with oil products accounting for 98% of electricity production in 2022, based on statistics from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Qair, which operates across several African countries with a project portfolio totaling 2 GW, continues to scale its presence through long-term energy contracts, locally embedded operations, and infrastructure models designed for eventual transfer. By investing in hybrid solar systems with storage, the company offers a more reliable, carbon-free solution tailored to the urgent needs of under-served populations.