Overview
Zagtouli is a 33 MW operational solar PV facility in Burkina Faso, contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity and grid stability.
Zagtouli is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located near Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. With a capacity of 33 megawatts (MW), it is one of the largest solar installations in the country, supporting the national grid with clean electricity. The facility is operational and plays a key role in Burkina Faso's energy transition. The plant uses solar PV technology to convert sunlight into electricity. Burkina Faso benefits from high solar irradiance, making solar power a viable and growing sector. The facility operates under the national regulatory framework, which includes feed-in tariffs and renewable energy targets aligned with the West African regional goals. The 33 MW scale positions Zagtouli as a medium-to-large solar plant in the West African context. Environmentally, Zagtouli displaces fossil fuel-based generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution. The plant's location in the Sahel region minimizes land-use conflicts, as the area is sparsely vegetated. Solar PV has low water consumption and no direct emissions during operation, contributing positively to Burkina Faso's sustainable development objectives.
Environmental context
Burkina Faso's Sahelian climate provides high solar irradiation, ideal for solar PV generation. The Zagtouli plant occupies land that is not used for intensive agriculture, reducing land-use competition. Solar energy in this region avoids water consumption associated with thermal power plants and mitigates air pollution. The facility supports climate change mitigation by displacing diesel and heavy fuel oil generation, which are common in the country.
Frequently asked questions
The Zagtouli solar PV plant is located near Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, at coordinates 12.307 N, -1.637 E.
The Zagtouli solar plant has an installed capacity of 33 megawatts (MW), making it one of the largest solar facilities in Burkina Faso.
The operator of the Zagtouli solar plant is not publicly specified, but it is part of Burkina Faso's national renewable energy program.
Burkina Faso has implemented feed-in tariffs and a national renewable energy action plan to promote solar and other renewables, aiming to increase energy access and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
By generating clean electricity, Zagtouli reduces greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution compared to fossil fuel plants. Solar PV also has minimal water use and low operational emissions.