• (Business in Cameroon) – Sodecoton launched a CFA 300 million ($490,000) tender to build a 110 kVA solar plant at its Touboro ginnery.
• Thirteen prequalified firms, including EDF Cameroun, CFAO T&E, Energy Arno and Parlym Drone, are competing.
• The project aims to cut diesel use and align with Cameroon’s 2030 energy transition strategy.
The Société de développement du coton du Cameroun (Sodecoton) launched a restricted international tender to supply, install and commission a photovoltaic solar plant at its Touboro ginnery. The project will cost about CFA300 million, including taxes.
The facility will have a minimum capacity of 110 kVA and operate alongside existing diesel generators of 1,500 kVA and 110 kVA. Contractors will have 180 days to deliver.
The tender is open to 13 preselected companies, including EDF Cameroun, Energy Arno, CFAO T&E and Parlym Drone. The process follows an initial tender launched in October 2024.
Until 2017, the Touboro site still received power from utility Eneo. Rising population, urbanization and frequent outages pushed the factory to rely almost exclusively on diesel generators.
The 1,500 kVA generator burns about 250 liters of diesel per hour, running nearly 22 hours daily for up to five months a year. A 110 kVA generator consumes 7 liters an hour to power offices, staff housing and outdoor lighting.
Sodecoton faced rising diesel costs in 2023 and logistical difficulties in securing fuel. The company therefore turned to solar power as a sustainable alternative.
Touboro has been chosen as a pilot site for a solar plant that will cover auxiliary facilities including offices, housing, storage and lighting. The new plant will gradually replace the 110 kVA generator and eventually double available capacity to supply workshops, garages and fire safety systems.
Sodecoton expects the project to cut fuel consumption significantly and support Cameroon’s national development strategy (SND30) and commitments on carbon reduction and energy performance under ISO 50001.
This article was initially published in French by Amina Malloum
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
