A Breakthrough for Photovoltaic Solar Energy in the Energy Mix: The Case of Rural Electrification in the Northern Part of Cameroon

Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, such as Cameroon, face major challenges in terms of access to electricity, particularly in rural areas. A large proportion of the rural population does not have access to a reliable source of energy, which limits the economic and social development of these regions. Existing conventional energy sources, such as hydropower or oil-fired power plants, are often unsuitable for remote areas due to high transport and infrastructure costs. Cameroon enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year. The government of Cameroon has therefore identified solar PV as a promising option for the rural electrification of 1,000 villages. Of the 350 solar power plants already delivered, the North of Cameroon has received 92 plants, representing 72% (38341.8 kWp) of the country's solar installations and 20% of the region's electricity supply in its energy mix, if we include the 2 large solar power plants in Guider and Maroua, each with a capacity of 15 MWp. Approximately 2,21712 rural households could therefore have access to electricity, with an average per capita energy supply of between 431 and 578 kWh/inhabitant/year in the rural areas benefiting from the first and second phase installations, compared to an estimated national average consumption of 280 kWh/inhabitant/year.