Qair has obtained EUR 30 million to construct two solar power facilities in Chad. The French renewable energy firm received EUR 15 million from Proparco, a French development finance institution, and another EUR 15 million from the African Development Bank to develop these projects in the border areas of N’Djamena. Proparco announced the deal on 1 October.
Chad’s energy sector is set to change with the construction of solar power plants in Gassi and Lamadji, boasting a combined energy capacity of 30 MWp. These plants will also feature integrated battery storage systems with a capacity of 30 MW and 8 MWh, ensuring a stable power supply. Currently, a mere 11.7% of Chad’s population has access to electricity, making it one of the lowest rates globally.
The renewable energy format is a departure from the typical power sources across Chad, which primarily rely on diesel and oil-fired thermal power plants. The solar power developments were greenlit as part of the African Development Bank’s Desert to Power initiative, which aims to establish 10 GW of solar energy capacity across the Sahel region.
Read Also: Farming Families Plan for Next Generation Succession
According to Proparco, the local power supply in Chad faces numerous challenges, including inadequate structural investment and the absence of a nationwide interconnected power grid. Furthermore, Société Nationale d’Eau et d’Electricité du Tchad (SNE), the national electricity company, is under significant financial strain. Notably, the N’Djamena grid accounts for nearly 90% of the country’s electricity sales, yet it only serves about a third of the capital city’s 1.4 million residents.
In recent years, Chad has experienced turmoil, including a coup in 2021. Nevertheless, Proparco notes that the energy investment environment appears to be improving, driven by an estimated 5.6% GDP growth in 2025 and ongoing energy sector reforms backed by international partners.
Ashurst Perkins Coie’s team, led by partner Mark Barges, provided legal counsel to Proparco and the African Development Bank on the financing aspects of the deal. Additional support on Chadian law elements was offered by Kreich Avocats, ensuring a wide-ranging approach to the transaction.