A new 52.42-megawatt peak solar power plant broke ground in Ferkessédougou, the capital of Côte d’Ivoire Tchologo region, on Sunday. Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly presided over the ceremony, attended by numerous administrative, political, and traditional leaders.
The plant, named “Ferké Solar,” will be the second of its kind in the country, following the Boundiali plant in the Bagoué region, which became operational on 3 April 2024. Located on the Ferkessédougou-Tafiré axis near Sokhoro 2 village, about 5 kilometres from Ferkessédougou, the facility’s construction will cost 41 billion CFA francs and is scheduled to be completed by PFO Energies within 12 months.
Minister Sangafowa-Coulibaly highlighted the project’s entirely private, national funding. He stated that the plant will significantly bolster Côte d’Ivoire’s renewable energy production, furthering the nation’s aim of reaching 45% renewable energy by 2030—currently at 31%.
He projected that by 2030, Côte d’Ivoire will have almost 600 megawatts of solar energy, constituting 9% of its renewable energy generation. “This, combined with other clean energy sources, will enable us to meet the 45% target,” he said.
Further solar power plants are planned for various locations across Côte d’Ivoire, including Bondoukou, Korhogo, M’Bengué, Katiola, Tengrela, Kong, Touba, Sérébou, Soubré, Odienné, and Mankono.
Clyde Fakhoury, CEO of PFO Africa Group, provided details on the plant’s scale. He explained that Ferké Solar will cover 70 hectares and incorporate 70,000 solar panels.
He added that, commencing at the end of 2025, the advanced facility will produce around 90 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually, supplying electricity to over 370,000 homes in the Tchologo region. The project anticipates generating more than 600 local jobs during the construction phase and will support various community initiatives for sustainable regional progress.
