DP has signed a major contract to supply the boiler islands for the largest biomass facility in West Africa. The 46MW biomass plant in southeast Côte d'Ivoire is the third major project for DP on the continent and a high profile project for the region. The project is backed by Biovéa Energie S.A, which is a joint venture between Electricité De France (EDF), Biokala (a subsidiary of agro-industrial group SIFCA) and French firm Meridiam. It is being delivered by China Energy Engineering Corp (CEEC). DP’s scope includes design, engineering, equipment, installation and commissioning for the 2 biomass boilers (2 x 23MW units).
The landmark project is located in Ayébo village approximately 100 km east of Abidjan and will use approximately 480,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of locally sourced palm residues to fuel the plant. 70% of fuel will be supplied by 12,000 smallholders, who will see annual incomes increase by up to 20%. Up to 1.7 million people will receive an estimated 348 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year of stable electricity supply to improve living conditions, drive employment and support economic growth. Plant construction will create significant employment and infrastructure improvements and once operational, the plant will support ~1,000 full-time equivalent local jobs. The project will be a key contributor in developing the local circular economy and is an important component of the Côte d'Ivoire 2014-2030 National Action Plan for Renewable Energies, which targets 42% renewable energy of the total energy mix by 2030. The project will also support the agro-industrial sector and reduce CO2 emissions in line with COP21 objectives.
Simon Parker CEO of DP highlighted that “This is a hugely important project for the region as it is the first to produce renewable biomass energy for the national grid. We are delighted to be working with our partners CEEC (China Energy Engineering Corp) to deliver a successful and sustainable plant which we anticipate will be a turning point for the productive use of the huge waste biomass resources in Africa and pave the way for future projects”.
