CAMEROON
Energy News
Cameroon Commissions First Private Solar Mini- Grid Under Energy Compact
Cameroon has switched on its first privately operated solar mini-grid under the National Energy Compact, marking a major step forward in the country’s push to improve electricity access through renewable energy. The photovoltaic installation in the village of Voundou, in Mbangassina, Mbam and Kim Division of the Centre Region reflects the Country’s broader strategy in the usage of decentralized energy systems to address persistent electricity shortages, especially in rural areas (The Voundou Project).
The Project, built, owned, and operated by Renewable Energy Innovators Cameroon (REI Cameroon)- a Local Company puts the Country’s energy compact pillar: distributed renewable energy, into commercial operation for the first time and sets a replicable template for electrifying more than 9,000 Cameroonian villages that remain without grid power.
With an initial solar generation capacity of 100 kilowatt-peak (kWp) supported by 116.6 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of battery storage. The installation is expected to provide electricity to more than 100 subscribers including homes, small businesses, a health center, and a fuel station. Developers also plan to expand the Project in the future, potentially increasing capacity to 300 kWp as demand grows.
Government actors present at the commissioning ceremony indicated that, Cameroon’s overall electrification rate stands at about 74%, while access in rural areas remains below 40%. Authorities say this imbalance has made systems such as solar mini-grids a priority under the National Development Strategy 2030 (NDS30).
Significance of the first private solar mini grid in Cameroon
This implementation is significant because, it is the first private solar mini-grid Project implemented under Cameroon’s National Energy Compact, which is a national framework designed to accelerate electrification, attract private investment, and modernize the energy sector. One of its core priorities is the promotion of distributed renewable energy systems such as solar mini-grids, particularly in isolated communities where extending the national electricity grid would be expensive and technically difficult.
The Voundou Project is therefore being presented as a pilot model for future rural electrification initiatives. Government officials and energy stakeholders believe similar systems could eventually help connect more than 9,000 villages that are currently underserved or completely off-grid. The success of this first Project is a way forward for foreign investors interested in Renewable Energy development in Cameroon.
The Project also demonstrates the growing role of the Private Sector in Africa’s energy transition. Traditionally, electricity generation and distribution in Cameroon have been dominated by State institutions and major utility operators. However, financing challenges and increasing demand for power have urged the Cameroon Government to seek partnerships with private investors. Through the Energy Compact, Cameroon aims to mobilize billions of dollars in investment for energy infrastructure, including renewable energy, transmission networks, and decentralized systems.
The Role of OL & PARTNERS
Our Energy experts have become interested in the installation of mini-grids through financing and stakeholder coordination, regulatory compliance, and long-term operational sustainability. Whether the Project is a solar mini-grid, hydropower plant, transmission line, or industrial energy facility, the best approach combines strong planning, Environmental Impact Assessment, disciplined project management, and continuous regulatory risk monitoring.
Due to the frequent outages and power shortages that have affected households and businesses alike, our increasing interest is geared towards independent solar systems and decentralized energy solutions. We believe that, adequate management and accountability of Renewable Energy Projects such as the Voundou mini-grid can improve economic activities by supporting small businesses, powering schools, health centers, and creating opportunities for local development.
Beyond energy access, OL & PARTNERS is aligned to give seasoned expert advice in the energy sector thus ensuring regulatory compliance, contributing towards environmental sustainability goals, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and diesel generators, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs thus a global effort to promote clean energy and climate resilience in developing economies.
In a nutshell, the commissioning of the Country’s first private solar mini-grid under the National Energy Compact represents an important milestone in the Country’s energy sector. It highlights the potential of Renewable Energy and Private-Sector participation to address rural electrification challenges. If replicated successfully across the country, similar mini-grid Projects could significantly improve living standards, stimulate local economic growth, and help Cameroon move closer to universal electricity access.
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