Government to Construct Two Solar Power Plants in Cameroon’s North Region

The Cameroon government will begin construction on two solar power plants in the North Region starting in July 2025. The announcement was made by Minister of Water and Energy Gaston Eloundou Essomba. The plants will be located in Maroua and Guider.

The initiative is part of the government’s ongoing sustainable electrification strategy for the Northern Regions. The two solar plants will have a combined capacity of 28.6 MWp.

“This project builds on the achievements of the first phase and will help reduce thermal energy costs while securing the supply of the Northern Interconnected Grid,” the minister said.

Project Budget and Partnership Details

Minister Eloundou Essomba reported that ENEO, Cameroon’s energy company, has secured a budget of 800 million FCFA for the project.

SCATEC has completed manufacturing the equipment and is now ready to ship it to Cameroon, where it will carry out the construction.

The agreement was finalised during the 2025 Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town. The Minister met with SCATEC’s management at their Global Operations Centre to confirm project progress.

“It emerged that contracts with subcontractors have already been signed, equipment manufacturing is complete, and the modules are ready for shipment to Cameroon. The actual start of construction is scheduled for early July 2025, following the mobilisation of approximately 800 million FCFA by ENEO, the project’s contractual partner,” the minister added.

Previous Projects and Impact on Energy Supply

The nationwide effort to expand electricity access began in 2023 with the construction of two photovoltaic solar power plants in the South Region, totalling 35.8 MWp in capacity.

The Ministry of Water and Energy stated that the new phase in the North will enhance energy supply across the three northern regions while reducing reliance on diesel-powered thermal plants.

“This solar electrification project demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainably secure the electricity supply of the most vulnerable areas,” the ministry said. It emphasised the project’s goal to improve electricity access in underserved regions.

“These installations will generate savings estimated at more than 40 billion CFA francs on diesel-related costs by May 30, 2025,” the statement added.

Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba further noted that Cameroon is reinforcing its commitment to energy transition through the gradual deployment of renewable energy solutions to support balanced regional development.

MMI