Abu Dhabi–based Global South Utilities (GSU) has inaugurated the Noor Chad 50-megawatt (MW) solar farm, the country’s first utility-scale solar power project.
Equipped with a 5-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS), the solar plant will feed directly into the national grid, providing clean electricity to an estimated 274,000 households and reducing Chad’s dependence on expensive diesel generation.
Historic Step for Chad’s Power Sector
Chad remains one of the least electrified countries in the world, with a national electricity access rate of just 12% as of 2023. Hospitals, schools, and households across the country have long relied on costly and polluting diesel generators. The commissioning of a 50-MW solar power plant in Chad represents a transformative step in addressing these chronic energy shortages.
By pairing solar generation with battery storage, the project not only adds reliable daytime capacity but also ensures electricity can be shifted into evening hours. This dual technology helps stabilize the grid, reducing blackouts and expanding access to affordable, clean energy.
Technical and Environmental Impact
The Noor Chad solar farm comprises more than 81,000 photovoltaic panels and 158 inverters. According to GSU, construction logged over 350,000 safe work-hours and was completed in record time.
The environmental benefits are equally significant. Over its operational lifetime, the project is expected to displace 1.36 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂), making a meaningful contribution to Africa’s climate goals. By cutting diesel imports, the project also reduces fiscal pressures on Chad’s public finances.
GSU will continue to operate and maintain the facility, ensuring long-term sustainability. The company has positioned Noor Chad as a flagship model for renewable energy projects in Africa, designed for rapid deployment in underserved energy markets.
International Partnerships and Financing
The inauguration ceremony brought together senior Chadian officials, UAE representatives, and GSU executives. Attendees included Mahamat Ahmad Alhabo, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic of Chad, alongside Ali Alshimmari, CEO and managing director of GSU, and the UAE’s ambassador to Chad.
While financing details and power purchase agreements (PPAs) have not been fully disclosed, the project underscores growing collaboration between African governments and international private-sector developers. It also reflects the UAE’s wider commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition in Africa through investment and expertise.
Voices from the Ground
“The first to feel the difference will be homes, hospitals, and schools in and around N’Djamena,” said GSU CEO Ali Alshimmari during the launch. “Reliable power means vaccine refrigeration, evening study for students, and new opportunities for small businesses.”
Chadian officials hailed the project as a milestone for the country’s development strategy. By supplying tens of thousands of households, the Noor Chad solar farm is expected to improve quality of life and support socio-economic growth.
Electricity Access in Chad
Despite abundant solar resources, Chad has lagged behind in electrification. With more than 80% of its population living without access to modern power, the challenge is enormous. For comparison, neighboring countries such as Nigeria and Cameroon have achieved higher access rates, though they still face major gaps.
The GSU solar project in Chad is therefore not just symbolic but vital. It demonstrates that large-scale renewable solutions can be delivered in one of the most challenging energy environments in Africa.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Experts caution, however, that while the 50-MW solar farm in Chad is a breakthrough, a single project cannot solve the country’s energy crisis. Expanding electricity access nationwide will require:
- Significant investment in transmission and distribution networks.
- Transparent, bankable PPAs to attract private investors.
- Grid modernization and workforce development.
- Complementary policies that create a stable regulatory environment.
Development partners such as the World Bank and regional energy initiatives are already working with Chad to strengthen infrastructure, but large funding gaps remain.
Africa’s Renewable Energy Momentum
The Noor Chad solar farm is part of a broader surge in renewable energy in Africa. From Morocco’s Noor Ouarzazate solar complex to Kenya’s Lake Turkana wind farm, African nations are increasingly leveraging clean energy to expand access and meet climate targets.
GSU has indicated that it will replicate this “rapid-deployment” solar model in other African countries, positioning itself as a key player in the continent’s solar energy transition.
Also read: Electricity Access in Africa vs Renewable Energy Potential
FAQs
1. What is the Noor Chad solar project?
The Noor Chad solar farm is a 50-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic power plant developed by Global South Utilities (GSU). It is the first utility-scale solar power project in Chad and includes a 5-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system to stabilize supply.
2. How many people will benefit from the solar farm in Chad?
According to GSU, the project will provide electricity to around 274,000 households. This marks a major step forward in a country where only about 12% of the population currently has access to electricity.
3. Why is this solar farm important for Chad?
Chad has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world, with most people relying on costly diesel generators. The new solar farm reduces dependence on fossil fuels, lowers carbon emissions, and provides more reliable, affordable energy for homes, hospitals, and schools.
4. How will the project impact the environment?
The Noor Chad plant is expected to displace about 1.36 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over its operational lifetime. This contributes to global climate goals and helps Chad transition to clean energy.
5. Who developed and financed the Noor Chad solar farm?
The project was developed by Global South Utilities (GSU), a UAE-based company focused on renewable energy deployment in Africa. While full financing details have not been disclosed, the initiative aligns with the UAE’s commitment to expand renewable capacity across the continent.
6. What challenges remain for electricity access in Chad?
Even with the new solar farm, Chad faces significant hurdles. Expanding electricity access requires new transmission lines, modernized grids, strong policies, and sustained investment from both the public and private sectors.
7. Is Chad investing in more renewable energy projects?
Yes. The government of Chad, in partnership with international organizations and private developers, is looking to scale up renewable energy projects. The Noor Chad solar farm is considered a flagship model that could inspire future clean energy investments in the country.
8. How does this project fit into Africa’s renewable energy transition?
The Noor Chad solar farm adds to Africa’s growing portfolio of renewable energy projects, from Morocco’s vast solar parks to Kenya’s geothermal power plants. It demonstrates that even low-access countries can take major steps toward a clean energy transition in Africa.
