Qair Secures Funding for Burkina Faso Solar Project

• Qair's new solar venture in Burkina Faso marks a significant step towards energy security, backed by EUR 6 million from the AfDB. A brighter, sustainable future awaits!

Qair, a French independent power producer, has secured financing for an 18-MW solar project in Dedougou, Burkina Faso. The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) approved a concessional financing package of EUR 6 million (USD 6.7 million) through its Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA). This includes a EUR 2.5 million senior concessional loan and a EUR 3.5 million reimbursable grant, aimed at overcoming financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Dedougou solar project is backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement with Burkina Faso's national power company, Sonabel. It aims to enhance the country's energy security, diversify its energy sources, increase electrification rates, and lower electricity costs. The initiative supports the AfDB’s Desert-to-Power initiative, which aims to achieve 10 GW of solar capacity across the Sahel region by 2030, with Burkina Faso identified as one of five priority countries.

How is Qair's Dedougou project contributing to Burkina Faso's energy security and diversification efforts?

The Dedougou solar project by Qair is an essential step towards enhancing Burkina Faso's energy security and diversification efforts. Here are some key points outlining how this initiative contributes to the country's energy landscape:

• Increased Renewable Capacity: The 18-MW solar project will significantly boost Burkina Faso's renewable energy capacity, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve overall sustainability.
• Diversification of Energy Sources: By incorporating solar power, the project adds a new dimension to the country's energy mix, which has traditionally relied on hydropower and biomass. This diversification minimizes risks associated with energy supply disruptions.
• Improved Energy Access: The project aims to increase electrification rates in rural and underserved communities, providing access to reliable power, which is crucial for education, healthcare, and economic development.
• Cost Reduction: By utilizing solar energy, the Dedougou project is expected to lead to lower electricity costs for consumers. This reduction can stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for citizens.
• Job Creation: The construction and operation of the solar plant will create jobs for local communities, fostering economic opportunities and enhancing local livelihoods.
• Alignment with National Goals: The project aligns with Burkina Faso's national energy strategy, which includes increasing the share of renewable energy and meeting growing energy demands while ensuring sustainability.
• Resilience to Climate Change: Investing in solar energy can enhance Burkina Faso's resilience to climate change impacts, as solar power is less vulnerable to climatic variations compared to traditional energy sources.
• Promotion of Technological Advancement: The Dedougou project encourages the adoption of new technologies in energy generation, paving the way for future renewable investments in the region.
• Strengthening Regional Cooperation: By supporting the AfDB's Desert-to-Power initiative, the project fosters regional collaboration among Sahel countries, promoting shared goals of energy access and security.
• Stimulating Private Investment: The successful financing of the project showcases investor confidence in Burkina Faso's renewable energy sector, potentially attracting further private investments and financing opportunities.
• Public-Private Partnership Model: The collaboration between Qair, the AfDB, and Burkina Faso's national power company, Sonabel, exemplifies an effective public-private partnership model that can be replicated for future projects in the region.

Overall, Qair's Dedougou project is a significant contributor to Burkina Faso's efforts towards securing a diversified, sustainable, and resilient energy future.