The Blitta Solar Power Station is an operational 50 MW (67,000 hp) solar power plant in Togo. The power station was developed by Amea Power, an independent power producer (IPP), based in the United Arab Emirates. The solar farm, which is the largest grid-ready in Togo, is also referred to as Mohamed Bin Zayed Power Station, named after His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The power station began commercial operations in June 2021.[1][2]
| Blitta Solar Power Station | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Official name | Mohamed Bin Zayed Power Station |
| Country | Togo |
| Location | Blitta, Centrale Region |
| Coordinates | 08°18′28″N 01°00′37″E / 8.30778°N 1.01028°E |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | Q1 2020 |
| Commission date | June 2021 |
| Construction cost | €33.5 million |
| Owner | Amea Power |
| Operator | Amea Togo Solar |
| Solar farm | |
| Type | Flat-panel PV |
| Power generation | |
| Nameplate capacity | 50 MW (67,000 hp). Under expansion to 70 MW (94,000 hp) |
Location
editThe power station is located in the settlement of Blitta, in the Centrale Region of Togo, approximately 83.5 kilometres (51.9 mi), by road, south of Sokodé, the regional capital.[3] This is approximately 267 kilometres (166 mi) by road north of Lomé, the national capital and largest city in the country.[4]
Overview
editThe power station's installed capacity is 50 megawatts. Its output is sold directly to the government of Togo for integration into the national electricity grid, under a 25-year power purchase agreement. The solar park is operated and maintained by Amea Togo Solar, the local subsidiary of Amea Power, the UAE-based IPP that owns the power station. It is expected that the power station will provide electricity to 600,000 homes and 700 small and medium-sized enterprises, in Togo.[5]
Developers
editThe power station was developed by Amea Power, an independent power producer based in the United Arab Emirates. The solar park is operated by Amea Togo Solar, the local subsidiary of the Middle Eastern owners.[5]
Funding and timeline
editThe table below outlines the sources of funding for the construction of this power station.[5]
| Rank | Development Partner | Contribution in Euros | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abu Dhabi Fund for Development | 13.6 million | 40.60 | Loan |
| 2 | West African Development Bank | 10.7 million | 31.94 | Loan |
| 3 | Amea Power | 9.2 million | 27.46 | Equity Investment |
| Total | 33.5 million | 100.00 |
Construction began in February 2020.[5] Commercial commissioning took place in June 2021.[2]
Expansion
editIn November 2022, AMEA Power Company, the Dubai-based IPP, secured a US$25 million loan for the purpose of increasing capacity of the power station from 50 MW to 70 MW. In addition a battery storage facility, rated at 4 MWh will be added to the installation, to facilitate power supply after sunset. The EPC contractor for the expansion and energy storage installation is Amea Power's subsidiary, Amea Technical Services. The loan was provided by the Abu Dhabi Export Office (ADEX), a "financial facility of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)".[6]
In March 2023, the work on the third phase of expansion from 50 MW to 70 MW officially began, when it was flagged off by the president of Togo, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. The expansion to 70 megawatts and the addition of 4 MWh storage capacity is expected to conclude no later than December 2023.[7]
Other considerations
editWhen fully developed, the 70 MW power station with the energy storage attachment, will become the largest solar power plant in West Africa. At that time it is calculated that the solar farm will meet the electricity needs of "at east 222,000 Togolese households".[6]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ Africa Global Funds (22 June 2021). "AMEA Power launches 50MW solar power plant in Togo". Africa Global Funds. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
- ^ a b Jean Marie Takouleu (24 June 2021). "Togo: In Blitta, the largest solar park in West Africa is now operational". Afrik21.africa. Paris, France. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
- ^ "Road Distance Between Sokodé, Togo And Blitta, Togo" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
- ^ "Road Distance Between Lomé, Togo And Blitta, Togo" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
- ^ a b c d Jean Marie Takouleu (6 February 2020). "Togo: Amea Power starts construction work for Blitta solar power plant". Afrik.21.africa. Paris, France. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
- ^ a b Jean Marie Takouleu (24 November 2022). "Togo: Blitta Solar PV Plant Capacity To Be Increased To 70 MWp". Afrik21.africa. Paris, France. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- ^ Jean Marie Takouleu (28 March 2023). "Togo:The third phase of the Blitta solar park will be operational by the end of 2023". Afrik21.africa. Paris, France. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
External links
edit- Works at the Blitta solar power project completed As of 22 March 2021.