Independent renewables developer Qair has received a boost for its 18 MW Dédougou solar energy project in Burkina Faso, securing €6mn (US$6.9mn) in concessional financing from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA)
It marks a significant milestone towards increasing the country’s energy generation capacity, as Qair unlocks a second phase of its solar power ambitions.
“After commissioning our first 24 MW solar plant in Zano in 2023, this second project in Dédougou reflects our expanding footprint and aligns with Qair’s long-term strategy to accelerate the energy transition across Africa,” said Abdoulaye Toure, CFO of Qair Africa.
SEFA, a multi-donor fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, is managed by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The latest support for Dédougou comprises a €2.5mn (US$2.9mn) senior concessional loan and a €3.5mn (US4mn) reimbursable grant, complemented by a combination of subordinated and senior loans from the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), facilitated by advisors A&O Shearman and Trinity.
“This new financing from FMO and SEFA marks a significant milestone in Qair’s journey in Burkina Faso,” said Toure.
“We are deeply grateful to both institutions for their continued trust and support, which enable us to deliver impactful renewable energy infrastructure in the region.”
According to the AfDB, the Dédougou solar plant demonstrates the potential for private-sector-led future renewable energy projects not only in Burkina Faso, but across the Sahel region.
In a statement, it said the project aligns with the bank’s Desert-to-Power initiative, which aims to turn the Sahel region into the world’s largest solar power zone.
The project is also listed as a priority project in Burkina Faso’s national Desert-to-Power roadmap and among the first independent power producers (IPPs) in the country, operating under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with state utility, Société Nationale d’Électricité du Burkina Faso (SONABEL).
"The Dédougou Solar PV project marks a significant milestone for Burkina Faso and the broader Sahel region,” said Dr. Daniel Schroth, AfDB’s director for renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Once operational, the plant will also help diversify Burkina Faso's energy mix, cut electricity costs, and boost access to reliable, affordable electricity.
Dédougou also steps up Qair’s own deepening Africa exposure.
With 1.7 GW of capacity in operation or construction, the group is developing a portfolio pipeline of 34 GW across 20 countries across Europe, Latin America, and Africa comprising solar, onshore and offshore wind, hydroelectric, tidal energy, waste-to-energy, battery storage, and green hydrogen production.
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