USTDA Promotes Solar Energy Development in Burkina Faso

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Société de Production d’Energie Solaire de Kodéni SAS today for a feasibility study for two 17 megawatt solar photovoltaic plants near the villages of Pá and Kodéni in Burkina Faso. The solar plants are being developed by BioTherm Energy, a South African renewable energy company.

Burkina Faso has one of the least developed energy sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa. Less than 20% of people have access to electricity, and there is a heavy reliance on expensive imported fuels. However, Burkina Faso has abundant solar resources, and these two plants will be amongst the first to demonstrate that potential, bringing lower cost energy to the people of Burkina Faso and driving economic growth.

“We are pleased to partner with Société de Production d’Energie Solaire de Kodéni SAS and BioTherm on this important project that will increase energy access for homes and businesses across Burkina Faso,” said Lida Fitts, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa. “There is great potential for solar energy in the country, and we look forward to supporting this sustainable solution.”

Société de Production d’Energie Solaire de Kodéni SAS selected Tetra Tech (Pasadena, CA), a consulting and engineering firm, to conduct the feasibility study. 

“BioTherm is very grateful for this assistance from USTDA to help develop our photovoltaic plants in Burkina Faso,” said Jasandra Nyker, CEO of BioTherm Energy. “Leveraging Tetra Tech’s skill sets will ensure that these power plants are being developed to world class standards.”

“We are pleased to support Biotherm with the execution of the feasibility studies for the two solar photovoltaic projects,” said Mr. Dean White, Tetra Tech Senior Vice President.  “Tetra Tech is excited to apply its expertise to the development of the projects, which will contribute to the economic growth of the country.”

This project presents a U.S. export potential of $27M in PV cells, modules, inverters, racks and engineering services. This project advances the goals of Power Africa, a U.S. Government-led initiative to increase electricity access across sub-Saharan Africa.