USTDA Promotes Solar Energy Development in Burkina Faso
March 9, 2017
(USTDA)
Washington D.C. – 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.
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