Who financed the Guinea-Bissau solar project?

The entire solar and hybrid project is being financed by the Government of Guinea-Bissau with a $42.9 million loan from the West African Development Bank (BOAD). This financing was granted as early as 2017. The solar project, for which Sinohydro signed the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract, involves three facilities.

Can a 20 MW solar power plant be built in Bissau?

A solar power plant with a capacity of between 20 and 30 MW is currently being planned with the support of the World Bank, which is now seeking consultants to carry out a feasibility study for the project. The financing will facilitate the construction of a 20 MW solar plant in the city of Bissau and two 1 MW PV facilities in Gabu and Canchungo.

Does Guinea-Bissau have solar power?

Guinea-Bissau relies on fossil fuels and solar has seen limited development, with the exception of rural electrification initiatives. The nation has one of the lowest electrification rates in Africa, as well as electricity prices among the highest on the continent.

Will China build Guinea-Bissau's first solar power plant?

A Chinese state-owned company has been contracted to build Guinea-Bissau’s first large scale photovoltaic project, the Gardete solar power plant. The African Biofuel and Renewable Energy Company (ABREC), which promotes renewables and energy efficiency in several countries, has awarded the contract to China’s hydropower entity, Sinohydro.

How much energy does Guinea-Bissau use?

As a result, around 95% of the energy consumed in Guinea-Bissauan households comes from biomass. The AfDB recently stated Guinea-Bissau has only 11MW of installed power generation capacity, almost all of being thermal generation.

Should West African countries prioritize solar PV?

The Economic Community of West African States should prioritize the development of solar PV to meet surging energy demand over the next 30 years, according to a newly published study. Chinese business Sinohydro has secured the contract for a 20 MW solar plant in Gardete, near the city of Bissau. The tender for the project was launched a year ago.