EDF, Meridiam and SIFCA inaugurate West Africa’s largest biomass power plant in Côte d’Ivoire. The 46 MW plant is located in the commune of Aboisso, around 100 km east of Abidjan. It will use agricultural waste and provide enough electricity for 1.7 million people. This project is in line with Côte d’Ivoire’s National Action Plan for Renewable Energies 2014-2030, targeting 45% renewable sources by 2030. The plant adopts a circular approach and will create 500 local jobs.
Sustainable Employment and Income: Social and Environmental Impact of the Biomass Power Plant
The plant’s operation is expected to create more than 1,000 direct full-time jobs. This will generate significant economic benefits and stability for many indirect jobs. A major technological and industrial innovation, this power plant will reduce CO2 emissions by 4.5 million tonnes over a 25-year period, and enhance the reliability of Côte d’Ivoire’s electricity system.
Energy Consortium: A Pilot Project with Partners Committed to a Sustainable Future
The consortium is already planning to replicate it in other agricultural production zones in Côte d’Ivoire. The laying of the foundation stone brought together all those involved in the project: institutions, industry, financiers, builders, as well as local communities and in particular the region’s farmers.
EDF (40%), Meridiam (36%) and SIFCA (24%) have co-developed this project under the aegis of the Ivorian company BIOVEA ENERGIE. AFD via Proparco and PIDG via EAIF are also committed financial partners. Commissioning is scheduled for late 2025. The consortium plans to replicate it in other agricultural areas of Côte d’Ivoire. The laying of the foundation stone was attended by all those involved, including local farmers.
Béatrice BUFFON, Executive Vice President of the EDF Group in charge of the International Division, says: “The EDF Group is proud to be involved in this flagship low-carbon generation and circular economy project, which demonstrates our commitment to the energy transition in Côte d’Ivoire. The collective efforts of partners, local stakeholders and authorities have brought the development phase of this ambitious project to a successful conclusion and are now paving the way for a new phase with the start of construction work.”
CEO Commitment: Towards a Resilient Ecological and Economic Transition
Thierry DEAU, CEO of Meridiam, adds: “This project is another example of our ability to collectively implement concrete, sustainable measures to support the ecological transition. This biomass power plant represents a virtuous circle of economic development and will not only create numerous local jobs, but also improve the productivity and income of local plantations and farmers.”
David BILLON, CEO of BIOKALA, a subsidiary of the SIFCA Group, says: “The 46-megawatt power plant will be fuelled by around 520,000 tonnes of palm waste supplied by the SIFCA Group subsidiary PALMCI. The use of these materials demonstrates SIFCA’s commitment to meeting the challenges of sustainable natural resource management and the fight against climate change.”
