Hybrid Solar-Plus-Storage Project at Cocoa Plant in Cameroon

under construction

Norway-based and Africa-focused solar developer and impact investor Empower New Energy announced its first investment in Cameroon, a solar-plus-storage project implemented for local cocoa processor Neo Industry SA. Construction works have been launched on the hybrid site in Kekem, which will accommodate a 1.8-MWp rooftop solar system and a 2.5-MWh battery. The plant is expected to produce about 2,270 MWh of clean electricity annually upon commissioning to support Neo’s cocoa processing operations. The installation is developed and executed by Eclipse Energies Renouvelables. The project is backed by a 25-year power support agreement under which Empower will finance, build and operate the plant. The project aims to reduce Neo’s reliance on grid and diesel generation, promote self-consumption of renewable energy, lower energy and operational costs, ensure energy security and cut the company’s CO2 emissions.