Chad’s Adré solar plant lights up the path to renewable energy

Chad has reached a pivotal moment in its energy transition with the grand opening of a cutting-edge solar power plant in Adré, a milestone that underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to renewable energy solutions.

The inauguration ceremony, held on August 7, 2026, in the bustling town of Adré—regional hub of Assoungha in the Ouaddaï Province—was led by the department’s prefect. The event brought together key figures including the chairperson of the Rural Electrification and Energy Management Agency (ADERM), its managing director, local officials, technical partners, financial backers, and a vibrant crowd of Adré residents eager to witness this historic moment.

Transforming energy access in eastern Chad

This solar facility is more than just an infrastructure; it is a strategic investment aligned with Chad’s national electrification goals. By harnessing the abundant solar potential of the region, the plant aims to boost electricity supply, elevate living standards, and catalyze economic growth in Assoungha. Residents and businesses alike will benefit from a more reliable and sustainable energy source, reducing dependence on costly and polluting alternatives.

Local voices celebrate a shared achievement

Speaking at the ceremony, Adré’s mayor, Ahmat Abderrahim, praised the project as transformative, reflecting the authorities’ dedication to energizing the town and its people. “This is not just a solar plant,” he stated. “It is a promise fulfilled—a tangible step toward making energy access a universal right.”

The managing director of ADERM, Younous Daoussa Mahamat, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the project was realized through direct presidential instruction. “President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has made access to energy a cornerstone of his leadership,” he said. “No citizen should be left in the dark. No community should be denied progress. And no young person should have their future limited by a lack of power.”

He detailed the plant’s technical specifications: a hybrid system featuring 4,800 photovoltaic modules rated at 585 watts each, totaling 2.808 megawatts-peak. The facility also includes a battery storage system with 7.52 megawatt-hours capacity, dual 500 kVA backup generators, 5 kilometers of medium-voltage distribution lines, and 10 kilometers of low-voltage networks.

Community gratitude and national vision

The prefect of Assoungha, Dillo Bergou, took the floor to convey the deep appreciation of Adré’s residents to President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno for his leadership and vision. He also commended the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved in bringing the project to life.

The inauguration concluded with a symbolic ribbon-cutting and a guided tour of the plant, allowing attendees to see firsthand how solar energy is now powering homes and businesses in the region.

This landmark project signals a major leap forward in Chad’s renewable energy journey. It reaffirms the government’s resolve to position clean energy—not as an option, but as a driver of equitable and sustainable development across the nation.