Description
Project Name: Foumbouni-Mitsamiouli Solar Farm
Project Owner: Innovent
Standard: Verra VCS
Project ID: 3788
The Foumbouni and Mitsamiouli solar farms are shining beacons of sustainable progress on the island of Grande Comore in the Comoros. These cutting-edge solar PV plants are revolutionizing the nation’s energy landscape, bringing clean, reliable electricity to a country where access to power has long been a challenge. With Foumbouni operational since 2021 the Comoros is embracing a bold, renewable future.
In the Comoros, where over 50% of the population lacks reliable electricity and power generation relies heavily on polluting hydrocarbon generators, these solar farms are a game-changer. Each boasting a capacity of 4 MWp, Foumbouni and Mitsamiouli together deliver a remarkable 20% boost in Comoros’ electricity production. By harnessing the abundant sunshine of Grande Comore, these plants reduce dependence on fossil fuels, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy mix.
What sets these solar farms apart is their state-of-the-art technology. Equipped with solar trackers that follow the sun’s path for maximum efficiency and a Tesla battery storage system, Foumbouni and Mitsamiouli ensure power availability even after sunset. Excess energy generated during the day is stored and released during peak demand, acting as a vital buffer to stabilize the grid. This innovative setup guarantees flexibility, reliability, and uninterrupted electricity, transforming how communities live, work, and thrive.
The Mitsamiouli plant is positioned on an open landfill, transforming a land unsuitable for agriculture into a hub of renewable energy production. By repurposing this site, the project showcases the power of innovation to overcome environmental constraints, delivering sustainable benefits where they’re needed most. Meanwhile, Foumbouni’s southern location maximizes solar exposure, ensuring optimal performance for the community it serves.
Beyond generating clean energy, these solar farms are catalysts for economic and social development. By expanding access to electricity, Foumbouni and Mitsamiouli enhance quality of life, powering homes, schools, and businesses in a nation where stable power is critical for growth. The projects, led by Innovent, prioritize local impact, with construction carried out by Comorian companies, creating jobs and fostering skills transfer. This commitment to local empowerment ensures lasting benefits for the people of Grande Comore.
For more than a decade, Innovent have worked to address the issues relating to development, construction and operation of wind and solar power plants. They are an experienced company which has earned its place in the renewable energy sector with more 40 solar and wind farm in 11 African countries.
Impact
10,080 solar panels each are installed on 30 trackers that allow the panels to follow the course of the sun
This system can produce up to 25% more energy than fixed panels
The projects represents around 20% of electricity production in the country.
The project’s will a power generation of 12.7 GWh per plant per year.
Innovent used the local workforce to build the plant.
The project hired hired local companies contributing to employment and skills transfer. and relies on local people for the maintenance.
The plant was built through advanced technology transfer from industrialized countries.
The project helps the island to reduce their fuel consumption from electricity production.
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