Where is Central African Republic launching a new solar park?

BANGUI, November 17, 2023 – Today, the Central African Republic is launching a new 25-megawatt solar park with battery storage in Danzi village, located around 18 kilometers from Bangui. The park will supply electricity to 250,000 persons in the capital, almost doubling the country’s electricity generation capacity.

Will Central African Republic have electricity by 2030?

By 2030, almost half of the population of the Central African Republic should have access to electricity, compared to only 16% at present. Today, the Central African Republic is launching a new 25-megawatt solar park with battery storage in Danzi village, located around 18 kilometers from Bangui.

How did the World Bank help the government build a new solar park?

To fast track its construction, the World Bank directly supported the government in procuring resources and supplies. “It's a great joy,” says Thomas Bissafi, the village chief of Danzi, a town in Central African Republic about 18 kilometers away from the capital of Bangui that is now home to a new solar park. “It's helping to develop the country.

Why is Central African Republic investing in electricity?

With an electrification rate of 35% in Bangui, 8% in the main provincial cities and towns, and only 2% in rural communes, the Central African Republic has invested in the energy sector as an engine of development to increase access to electricity and promote sustainable growth.

Will a large solar plant in Bangui help other countries?

Residents in Bangui used to face up to 16 hours of load shedding with health facilities, schools, and shops with no electricity. Now they will have much greater access to power, driving productivity and job creation. The commissioning of such a large solar plant in CAR provides hope for other countries.

Where is Danzi solar plant located?

Danzi solar plant is located 18 kilometers from the capital city of Bangui, CAR. Plagued by decades of conflict, political instability and low growth, CAR has one of the world’s highest rates of poverty – almost 7 out of 10 people are extremely poor. More than half are unable to afford enough food, and just 2.5% of CAR’s road network is paved.