John van Zuylen, CEO, African Solar Industry Association: Interview

Interview: John van Zuylen

What is the investment potential for solar energy projects in Côte d’Ivoire?

JOHN VAN ZUYLEN: Côte d’Ivoire currently produces roughly two-thirds of its electricity from fossil fuels, and the remainder comes from hydropower. Solar energy currently represents a very small fraction of the energy mix: there are no large-scale projects connecting solar electricity directly to the grid, but several companies and individuals – mostly in off-grid areas – rely on solar for their own electricity consumption.

Things may change, however, as the country enjoys high solar irradiation and aims to benefit from cheap solar electricity by adding it to its energy mix. Several projects are now in progress, such as the 37.5-MW-peak (MWp) Boundiali project, the 20-MWp floating solar project at the Kossou dam and two 60-MWp projects supported by the International Finance Corporation under the Scaling Solar programme.

There is also potential for commercial and industrial projects. Companies installing a solar system for their own consumption could greatly reduce their total electricity bill. At present they pay between $0.08 and $0.15 per KWh for electricity from the grid, and current solar system prices would enable many companies across the country to benefit from having cheaper electricity.

In what ways can local authorities further promote the solar energy subsector?

VAN ZUYLEN: The government has reduced the value-added tax on solar photovoltaic components from 18% to 9%. This is of course welcome, but has not yet led to increased solar technology usage across the country. An easier solution is net metering, a system that allows solar system owners to sell excess solar electricity for an offset on their monthly electricity bill. This electricity can then be used by other users on the grid. This system is attractive for companies, individuals and the country as a whole, as more power is produced from the sun and not from fossil fuels.

How will new innovations affect electricity storage?

VAN ZUYLEN: Solar equipment has experienced a drastic cost reduction over the past 10-15 years, and storage solutions are now witnessing technological improvements and mass-production levels that lead to a similar downward curve of prices.

More significant, however, is the range of applications this storage enables. Transmission and distribution grids in Africa are traditionally poorly maintained and relatively weak, hence the widespread connection of renewable energy is difficult. However, large-scale storage solutions in Côte d’Ivoire offer precisely the flexibility and buffer potential to absorb large quantities of renewables and add this green electricity to the grid in a stable way and when it is most needed.

At a smaller scale, storage solutions also enable electrification in areas where it previously was impossible, either technically or financially. User-friendly solar kits are now available at affordable prices on the market and allow people who live in off-grid areas to enjoy similar comforts to people living in the city, without having to wait until the grid is extended.

Where do you see countries in the region collaborating to reap the benefits of solar energy?

VAN ZUYLEN: The West African Power Pool could be a tool for the further development of solar across the region. By developing and installing solar plants strategically, the entire region could benefit from more abundant, greener and cheaper electricity.

In several African countries, floating solar offers great potential for the continent as a whole. Ghana currently hosts the largest floating solar plant in Africa, at the Bui dam, and is in the process of expanding the size of this project. Côte d’Ivoire has also engaged in floating solar with the 20-MWp Kossou project. By virtue of this innovative approach, the region could develop true expertise in this niche solar solution and assist other countries throughout the continent.