Dekel Agri-Vision, Green Enesys to develop solar-biomass hybrid in Ivory Coast

Agriculture company Dekel Agri-Vision Plc, which operates in west Africa, said Monday it plans to develop an up to 36-MW solar and biomass hybrid power plant in the Ivory Coast together with German renewable energy firm Green Enesys Holdings Ltd.

The hybrid power plant, which will consist of a 30-MW photovoltaic (PV) system and a biomass plant of 5 MW to 6 MW, is the first project considered by the companies' newly formed joint venture. It will be located in Ayenouan, where it will use feedstock from Dekel's palm oil operations. The hybrid project is expected to help Dekel cut costs at its palm oil project, while also use the potential sale of power to the grid as an additional revenue stream.

Green Enesys is at present doing a feasibility study on the potential project.

The joint venture, in which the two companies have equal stakes, will also look to develop hybrid power projects across the Ivory Coast and other countries in west Africa through special purpose vehicles, according to the statement. The projects will combine solar power with biomass, heat recovery or any other renewable energy source, including storage.

This comes as the Ivory Coast is pursuing a target of sourcing at least 42% of its power from renewable energy by 2030, including having 400 MW of solar capacity.

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