In Côte d’Ivoire, electricity production, primarily thermal, has faced significant disruptions this year due to an inadequate gas supply. This shortage has severely impacted the country’s electricity supply, highlighting the need for urgent action.
Massive Investments Planned for the Electricity Sector
To address these challenges, the Ivorian Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, announced on June 6th that over XAF5,000 billion (approximately $8.3 billion) will be invested in the electricity sector by 2030.
Minister Sangafowa-Coulibaly also highlighted that between 2011 and 2023, XAF1,700 billion was invested in electricity production, transmission, and distribution. These investments have accelerated access to electricity, with the country achieving an electrification rate of over 70% in 2021, one of the highest in West Africa.
Demographic Growth and Gas Shortages Exacerbate Energy Challenges
However, the combined effects of a growing population and insufficient gas supply continue to pose energy challenges as demand rises. The minister noted that the electricity supply in 2024 is currently disrupted due to outages. In April, three production units with a combined capacity of 653 MW were offline, representing 21% of the country’s total production capacity.
Key Investments to Address Energy Challenges
To overcome these obstacles, significant investments are required, particularly in harnessing the country’s gas potential. The minister outlined several ongoing initiatives, including accelerating the exploitation of gas fields, constructing gas pipelines to connect Côte d’Ivoire with gas-producing and consuming countries, and building infrastructure for importing, storing, and exporting natural gas.
These ambitious investments and initiatives signal a strong commitment to addressing the energy challenges facing Côte d’Ivoire. By diversifying its energy sources and investing in critical infrastructure, the country aims to ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply for its growing population and economy.