Inauguration of 50MW Solar Plant Marks Milestone for N’Djamena, Chad

Key Takeaways

The Noor Chad solar plant in N’Djamena is Chad’s first utility-scale solar installation, featuring 50MW of solar PV capacity and a 5 MWh battery storage system.
It will supply electricity to 274,000 homes and is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 1.36 million tonnes during its lifetime.
Global South Utilities (GSU) aims to use this project as a model for future renewable energy developments in Chad and has expanded its clean energy portfolio to include investments in Uzbekistan.

Chad’s First Utility-Scale Solar Project Launched

Abu Dhabi-based Global South Utilities (GSU) has launched the Noor Chad solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in N’Djamena, marking it as the first utility-scale solar project in Chad. The facility combines 50MW of solar PV capacity with a 5 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) designed to deliver clean electricity to approximately 274,000 homes while decreasing reliance on diesel imports.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures such as Mahamat Ahmad Alhabo, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Presidency of Chad, GSU CEO Ali Alshimmari, and the UAE Ambassador to Chad, Rashid Al Shamsi. Alshimmari expressed that this project exemplifies how effective partnerships can transform challenges into opportunities, emphasizing the importance of enabling communities with stable, clean power.

The Noor Chad facility was established through over 350,000 work-hours dedicated to the installation of 81,000 solar panels and 158 inverters. GSU forecasts that the plant will effectively displace more than 1.36 million tonnes of CO2 over its operational lifetime, enhancing energy access and supporting grid stability through its integrated BESS.

This initiative not only aims to fulfill Chad’s energy demands but also serves as a pilot for future renewable projects in the nation. In addition, GSU has recently acquired a 51% stake in Uzbekistan’s Yashil Energiya, marking its entry into the Central Asia region. Yashil Energiya focuses on commercial and industrial solar projects and aims to generate 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

No financial details regarding the transaction with Yashil Energiya were disclosed, but it allows GSU to secure a board seat and further extend its clean energy initiatives.

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