Chad is accelerating its electrification efforts with the launch of three hybrid solar-diesel power plants, representing an investment of nearly 5 billion CFA francs, aimed at providing electricity to the secondary cities of Bongor, Bol, and Biltine. This project, financed by the African Development Bank, is part of the “Chad Connection 2030” national plan, which aims to increase access to electricity to 60% by 2030 in a country where only 6% of the population is currently electrified.

Technical Details of the Project

The Chadian government laid the foundation stone on February 17, 2026, in Bongor, in the presence of local authorities and representatives from the Ministry of Water and Energy. The Tunisian company Tragedel is responsible for the construction, with a 12-month timeframe for completion.

The power plants are hybrid, combining solar photovoltaic (MWp), diesel thermal (MW), and battery storage (MWh): Bongor benefits from 2 MWp solar + 2 MW thermal + 1 MWh; Bol and Biltine each have 1 MWp solar + 1 MW thermal + 0.5 MWh. This configuration ensures stable production, reducing outages and dependence on costly diesel, while taking advantage of the country’s exceptional sunshine (more than 3,000 hours/year in some areas).

Chad’s Energy Context

The Chadian electricity sector relies primarily on diesel thermal power plants, concentrated around N’Djamena, leaving secondary cities and rural areas in darkness. According to the World Bank, the national access rate is 6%, falling to 1-2% in rural areas, with frequent outages due to fuel shortages and a weak grid.

This project aligns with “Chad Connection 2030,” which envisions 866 MW of new capacity, including 520 MW of solar power, to achieve 60% electrification and reduce energy costs through renewable energy. It complements other initiatives such as Noor Chad (50 MW solar + storage) and expansions in Abéché, making Chad an African leader with solar power already accounting for 36.7% of its nascent energy mix.

Financing and Partners Involved

The 5 billion CFA franc (approximately €7.3 million) investment is fully financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB). Tragedel, a Tunisian expert in energy infrastructure, is managing the EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) execution.

This public-private partnership is part of a broader wave of investments: Chad aims for USD 1.1 billion for electrification by 2030, with partnerships involving the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Emirati or Chinese investors for solar mini-grids and metro grids. Projects such as those by Elsewedy Electric (36 MW in Djermaya) and Scatec reinforce this momentum.

Expected Economic and Social Impacts

These hybrid power plants boost the local economy by supplying industries, businesses, and public services in Bongor (capital of Mayo-Gbossou), Bol (Lake Chad), and Biltine (Ouaddaï), strategic areas for agriculture and cross-border trade. Reliable access to electricity promotes irrigation, food processing, refrigeration, and nighttime education, creating jobs and income.

Environmentally, hybrid solar avoids thousands of liters of diesel per year, reducing CO2 emissions and operating costs (up to 40% savings compared to pure diesel). Socially, it combats energy poverty, stimulating inclusive development in these secondary cities where electricity improves quality of life and attracts investment.

Prospects for Solar Energy in Chad

This launch marks an acceleration towards the 2030 targets, with 350 MW of solar capacity in the pipeline around the capital and decentralized extensions. Chad, with its significant solar potential, could export energy to its neighbors via interconnections (e.g., Cameroon, which is projected to import 100 MW by 2027).

Challenges remain: battery maintenance, grid expansion, and attracting public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the face of insecurity. The project’s success could catalyze the development of other small-scale power plants, aiming for 90% access by 2030 and positioning Chad as a renewable energy hub in the Sahel.