Ray of Hope for Central Africa with Danzi Solar Park of 25 MW Capacity

Ray of Hope for Central Africa with 25 MW Danzi Solar Park

By Namrata Gulati Sapra/ Updated On Mon, Nov 20th, 2023

Highlights :

Just 35% of Bangui has been electrified so far, with 8% concentrated in major provincial areas. Only 2% of rural communities enjoy the benefit of electrification.

Ray of Hope for Central Africa with 25 MW Danzi Solar Park

Ray of Hope for Central Africa with 25 MW Solar Plus Storage Project

The Central African Republic has unveiled a 25 MW solar park that boasts battery storage. The project has been established in the Danzi village, near Bangui- the capital city of the Central African Republic.

The initiative will provide power to nearly 250,000 people in the city.

Just 35% of Bangui has been electrified so far, with 8% concentrated in major provincial areas. Only 2% of rural communities enjoy the benefit of electrification. Thus, investments in the energy sector are crucial to make electricity more accessible to citizens. Against such a backdrop, the 25 MW solar project equipped with storage is an important initiative that will promise greater accessibility at all hours to the citizens.

President Faustin-Archange Touadera said about the establishment of the Danzi solar park, “This transformative project extends beyond mere electricity provision to households; it encompasses illumination for schools and hospitals, refrigeration capabilities, and amplified electricity accessibility for businesses, both small and large, in Bangui.”

The Danzi solar park is a result of the partnership between the government and the World Bank. The grant funding from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) paved the way for the project. The initiative on energy is a significant one that follows other similar efforts, such as the Emergency Electricity Supply and Access Project (PURACEL) and the Water and Electricity Upgrading Project (PASEEL). Africa has also been taking up setting up mini-grids and distributing solar kits to augment its renewable energy capacities. Such initiatives come under the Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project.

Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, underlined the importance of the project, “Energy serves as a vital economic artery. The increased electricity access for health centers, schools, and businesses is poised to enhance productivity and foster job opportunities.”

The Danzi solar park is poised to replace over 90% of energy generated by way of diesel fuel. Carbon emissions of 670,674 metric tons will also be curbed. Almost half of the nation’s population will get access to electricity by 2030. Currently, it is a mere 16%.

In another news worth celebrating, 24 solar-powered water pumps and five solar-powered vaccine refrigerators have been installed for the people of Kalalé in West Africa.