The FCFA46 billion (about $78 million) needed for the construction of Zagtouli solar power station were mobilized. This was possible with the support of European Investment Bank (EIB) who provided FCFA15 billion, French Development Agency (AFP) who granted FCFA14.7 billion and European Union, FCFA16.3 billion.

With a capacity of 33 MW, the plant which will be built in Zagtouli, near the capital, Ouagadougou, will help authorities “provide viable and realistic solutions to the challenges characterizing the power industry, especially, its sub-sector. It will help reduce costs and improve reliability and power supply, while paving the way for other solar projects in the country”.

Burkina Faso has a capacity of 177 MW for an average demand of 220 MW. Due to this, the country imports 46% of the energy it uses.

Gwladys Johnson