Côte d’Ivoire - Power Transmission and Distribution Networks Reinforcement Project

The present project addresses the sector’s main problems, namely the dilapidated state and saturation of the networks, which affects the electricity sub-sector’s performance and are the causes of the suspension of new connections of industrial and household customers in certain regions, especially in the West of the country. Therefore, the project’s implementation will result in the launching of industrial and mining projects such as those related to the Feketero, Ouélé and Mahapleu gold mines, the Touleupleu iron ore mines, the Sampleu nickel mines and the San Pedro iron ore and manganese plant. The total estimated capacity of these projects by 2018 is 70 MW. The project will also allow wood processing industries in Montagnes District, currently using their own energy sources (diesel generators with a total capacity of 3.3 MW) to make significant savings as a result of their connection to the grid, the cost of which is CFAF 77 per kWh compared to CFAF 117 for the generators, i.e. a 34% saving. As a result of the project, Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Electricité (CIE) (the power utility company) will close down eight isolated thermal plants operating in Montagnes District (in Tinhou, Diboke, Medibli, Taï, Sakre, Zeregbo, Koreahinou and Ouallo-Kouloukoro localities). The total project cost is EUR 162.14 million. The project comprises three components, namely: 1) infrastructure; 2) project management; and 3) environmental and social mitigation.