Benin plans to increase electricity generation capacity to 352 MWh by end 2018

Beninese government plans to increase the country's electricity generation capacity to 352 MWh by end 2018.

According to an official release on Saturday in Cotonou the decision aims to solve electricity shortage and end the constant power-load shedding in the country.

A large program purposed to eliminate power-load shedding by end 2016 has been set up as well as one to improve energy sufficiency in two years, the source said.

The plan includes the acquisition of mobile power stations for additional capacities and the rehabilitation of power plants of the Beninese Electric Power Company.

It also includes the installation of photovoltaic power stations that will provide 45MWh, according to the release.

The country contemplates through the plan the installation of 120 MWh thermal power station to be financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD).

Further, from December 2018, independent power producers will provide 120 MWh from Maria Gleta thermal power station in center Benin.