Chad - Djermaya 28 MW Solar PV IPP - Senior Loan

The proposed project concerns a EUR 18 million loan as well as a Partial Risk Guarantee (GPR), for the establishment of the Djermaya solar power plant in Chad. Djermaya Solar is a key building block of the Desert to Power Initiative and is of high strategic importance for Chad. It is the first renewable power generation project in the country, as well as the first Public Private Partnership that the country is implementing. The project site is located 30 km north of N’Djamena on a 100ha piece of land awarded by presidential decree. The project consists of the design, financing, construction, operation, and transfer of a 28MWe solar PV plant and interconnection infrastructure. The plant includes PV modules mounted on single-axis trackers, inverters, and step-up transformers. The interconnection infrastructure includes an 18 km 33kV aerial double-circuit transmission line, two 33/90kV step-up transformers at the Lamadji sub-station, and an 8MW battery stabilization system. The project is structured as an Independent Power Producer (IPP) and will be funded primarily through private investment. It is an opportunity to improve energy access in Chad by developing its natural solar potential. Moreover, the Project will set a precedent for PPPs in the country and create an opportunity for replication for other solar power projects on the Sahel region in the framework of the Desert to Power Initiative. Construction of the plant is expected to begin during Q1 2020 with commercial operations to commence 12 months later. Private investors will own the plant for 25 years of operations and then transfer it to the National Electricity Company (SNE). Interconnection infrastructure (including the battery system) will be transferred to the SNE after construction and commissioning.