Baku: Burkina Faso's Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Oudraogo, inaugurated a 50-megawatt (MW) emergency thermal power plant in Pabr on Tuesday, built as part of a public-private partnership at a cost of approximately 18 billion CFA francs, in order to strengthen Burkina Faso's energy sovereignty.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries, Yacouba Zabr Gouba, stated that this power plant, with an installed capacity of 50 MW and consisting of 72 production units, is the result of a collaboration between the Burkinabe State and the company Al Ahram Taqa. The project was completed in just 90 days, significantly ahead of the contractual deadline of 120 days, showcasing the government's commitment to rapidly enhance national electricity production capacities, thereby reducing the country's reliance on energy imports and improving the quality of public electricity services.
The minister highlighted that this development aligns with the vision of President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor, who aims to gradually achieve energy independence for Burkina Faso. "This ceremony goes far beyond the simple commissioning of this power plant. It constitutes a collective commitment to the energy sovereignty of Burkina Faso," declared Yacouba Zabr Gouba.
Further plans were unveiled by the minister, including an ongoing partnership with Al Ahram Taqa for the construction of a new 120 MW thermal power plant utilizing HFO/DDO, projected to cost over 133 billion FCFA and expected to be operational by 2027. Additionally, a 50 MW solar power plant project is in the pipeline.
Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Oudraogo emphasized that this power plant marks a significant milestone in the national energy sovereignty strategy. He stressed Burkina Faso's intention to prioritize bolstering its national electricity production, moving away from the past's heavy reliance on energy imports.
The Prime Minister outlined that seven energy projects are currently underway, with four already completed and three nearing completion, cumulatively offering an unprecedented additional capacity of nearly 220 MW in such a short timeframe in the nation's history.
On the same day, work commenced on a 120 MW thermal power plant in Saba, in partnership with Al Ahram Taqa. The authorities aim to sustainably increase national production beyond demand to ensure a stable electricity supply and support Burkina Faso's industrialization.
Hassan Abdo Saleh Jaied, president of Al Ahram Taqa, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in his company by the Burkinabe authorities. He affirmed his company's commitment to a long-term partnership aimed at supporting Burkina Faso's energy infrastructure development, leveraging their extensive experience in the energy sector and over 1,000 MW developed in the Middle East.