46 MW thermal power plant using biomass combustible

Background

The project consists of the design, financing, building, operation and maintenance of a 46MW power plant using biomass combustible (palm tree leaves and trunk waste). It also comprises a transmission line, a substation and fibre optic equipment developed to be operated and maintained by CIE (Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Electricité), the utility provider.

The plant will be one of the largest in West Africa to be fueled with agricultural waste, generating 348 GWh of clean baseload electricity per year, enough energy to supply 1.7 million people all year round. It will be the first grid-connected power plant using this type of biomass.

The project is developed in the context of the “Plan d’Actions National des Energies Renouvelables de la Côte d’Ivoire 2014-2030” to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix to 42% by 2030. Its purpose is to support the agro industrial sector and contribute to the objectives set by the country in the Paris climate agreement. This biomass power plant will contribute to reducing Côte d’Ivoire’s CO2 emissions by 4.5 million tonnes over 25 years.

The project will value the untapped reserve of biomass waste in Aboisso (100 km of Abidjan) and is replicable in other agricultural basins. It is designed to be multi sectorial with tangible added value to the regional economy through biomass commercialization, energy generation and support to agriculture.

Stage:

Under construction

ESG/SDG key facts:

A circular economy project, the plant will generate positive impacts on the agricultural sector and the Ivorian agro-industrial sector, in particular through the development of the local waste biomass sector. The biomass fuel will come from the residues of palm leaves from local crops. The project is expected to improve the living conditions of rural populations and increase the annual income of nearly 12,000 planters by up to 20%. It shall also contribute to the fight against deforestation and extensive agriculture by promoting good agricultural practices and increased yields in small plantations. Finally, the planters shall benefit from the provision of combustion ashes which can be used as a natural fertilizer.

Part of the proceeds from the acquisition of the land by BIOVEA have been entrusted to a cooperative association of villagers who manage the funds to the benefit of the community. With these funds as collateral, Persons Affected by the Project were able to access microfinance loans in early 2023 to start new projects or further develop existing activities in order to increase their annual incomes and compensate the impact of the project on their initial revenues.