Solar energy, for a better electrification of rural areas

May 26, 2021


As part of the project 'Promotion of better access to modern energy services through sustainable mini-grids and hybrid technologies in Djibouti', financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the Ministry of Urbanism, Environment and Tourism and the Ministry of Energy with the support of UNDP, a ceremony to launch the construction of a solar power plant took place on Thursday, May 6, in Moumina, a village located near Lake Abbe, in the Arta region.

This project is part of the effort to improve access to modern energy services through sustainable mini-grids and hybrid technologies in Djibouti. 


The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Mr. Yonis Ali Guedi, the Minister of Urbanism, Environment and Tourism Mr. Mohamed Abddoulkader Moussa, the UNDP Resident Representative in Djibouti Ms. Fatima Elsheikh, the President of the Regional Council of Arta Mr. Elmi Bouh, the Prefect of Arta Mr. Mohamed-Cheiko and many personalities from this region.

For several years, the Republic of Djibouti has been relying on renewable energy to ensure its future energy independence. The projects are multiplying in this sense. From wind to solar to geothermal, Djibouti intends to be the first African country to use 100% green energy.

Following the preparation of appropriate policies and regulations and innovative models to strengthen the participation of the private sector, the foundation stone was laid for the construction of the solar power plant in Moumina, a village located in the Arta region.


In his speech during the ceremony, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Yonis Ali Guedi did not fail to recall the efforts of the government to provide the population with abundant energy, accessible throughout the country through a policy of investment and development of alternative energy sources.  He reminded that the realization of this project follows the promise of the President of the Republic to the population of this region which had no access to electricity. This is part of the government's policy to provide the remote regions of the country with basic social infrastructure.

As for the Minister of Urbanism, Environment and Tourism Mr. Mohamed Abddoulkader Moussa he reminded the clean nature of this energy which remains a solution to end the darkness and initiate equitable access to electricity. "This project will allow the establishment of a solar power plant of 65 kw and will provide electricity to more than 5,000 people through funding from the Global Environment Facility to improve access to reliable and affordable electricity in peri-urban and rural areas of Djibouti. It is part of the mitigation efforts against climate change," he said.


The village of Moumina, located near Lac Abbé, is crossed by the RN9, which links Tadjourah to PK51.  It is made up of a hundred or so permanent houses and others made of Touhoul, a medical center, a school, a learning center for women and a mosque.  Its inhabitants are regular or daily employees of the development projects of the area, notably the salt of Lake Assal and the geothermal project.

The health center and the mosque of Moumina 1 are equipped with small solar photovoltaic systems.

The mini-grid solar power plant that will be installed will provide a real energy service to households with lighting, ventilation, battery recharging with a 24-hour autonomy.