Côte D’Ivoire Turns to Cocoa and Rubber for Renewable Energy Boost
Abidjan – Côte D’Ivoire, already a global leader in cocoa production and africa’s top natural rubber producer, is now strategically leveraging these agricultural powerhouses to fuel its renewable energy sector. This initiative aims to diversify its energy sources and boost the income of local farmers.
The West African nation is aggressively pursuing projects that convert agricultural by-products into clean energy. These innovative approaches are expected to considerably contribute to Côte D’Ivoire’s goal of achieving 45% renewable energy in its electricity mix by 2030.
Groundbreaking Power Plant in Divo
On June 3,2025,La Société Des Energies Nouvelles (Soden),in collaboration with the Dutch Fund Climate Fund Managers (Cfm),announced a $3 million financing agreement. This investment will support the development of a pioneering power plant in Divo, located in Côte D’Ivoire’s central-west region. This plant will be the first of its kind connected to the national grid, powered entirely by agricultural by-products.
The divo plant is projected to have a capacity of 76 Mw and an annual production of 550 Gwh.Annually, the facility will utilize approximately 600,000 tons of waste from the cocoa and rubber industries, including shells, non-marketable beans, and end-of-life rubber materials. Operations are slated to begin by 2029.
Eni’s Biofuel Initiative
Earlier in 2024, the Italian energy giant Eni launched a national campaign to collect rubber seeds, previously discarded as waste. The goal is to transform these seeds into vegetable oil for biofuel production in Eni’s biorefineries.
In May 2025, the Ministry Of Agriculture formalized an agreement with Eni to structure the biofuel sector. The partnership focuses on optimizing rubber seed usage and introducing new oilseed crops as raw materials. Eni reported spending 100 million CFA francs (approximately $174,000 USD) to acquire 1,500 tons of rubber seeds from local farmers in 2023 during a pilot phase, with plans to increase this to 50,000 tons in 2024.
National Biofuel Ambitions
This initiative aligns with the Ivorian government’s vision of developing a domestic biofuels industry to meet local demand. A pilot project in 2023 by the National Agency For Rural Development Support (Anader) successfully produced 1,500 liters of biodiesel from rubber seeds through collaborations with local and international partners.
These efforts are part of a broader government strategy to increase the share of renewable energies to 45% of the electric mix by 2030, comprising 33% hydroelectricity and 12% biomass and solar.Côte D’Ivoire’s national energy pact emphasizes private sector involvement to achieve these objectives, aiming to attract around $2 billion in private investments to strengthen energy production, transport, and distribution, while boosting renewable energy solutions.
Other Agricultural Sectors Valued
Besides cocoa and rubber, other agricultural sectors are integrated into the national energy strategy and targeted by renewable energy production projects. In October 2022, construction began on a biomass power plant in Aboisso, in southeastern Côte D’Ivoire, to supply the national electricity network.
This plant, touted as the first of its kind in the country and West Africa, will have a 46 Mw production capacity powered by 520,000 tons of waste from oil palm production. With an overall cost of around $200 million, the Biovea Energie-led project is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
The American Agency For Commerce And Development (UstdA) also signed a grant agreement with Ecostar Energy Côte D’Ivoire in 2023 to support the development of a 25 Mw biomass power plant in the Boundiali region, primarily fueled by cotton stems.
Potential Benefits for Farmers
These projects highlight Côte D’Ivoire’s commitment to leveraging agricultural biomass as a strategic asset to enhance energy security while diversifying farmers’ income. With meaningful production volumes in cocoa (1.67 million tons in 2023-2024), rubber (over 700,000 hectares), palm groves (around 300,000 hectares), and cotton (over 350,000 hectares), the biomass potential is significant.
For smaller operators, the impact could be transformative. The conversion of agricultural by-products into renewable energy creates new economic opportunities. Residues from these sectors are no longer mere waste but become an additional revenue stream, supplementing income from primary products like cocoa, natural rubber, cotton, and palm oil.
“Each year, cocoa production generates millions of tons of unspecified waste, which does not bring any income to producers,” explained Yapi Ogou, the director general of Soden, regarding the Divo electricity production project. “By exploiting this still unexploited resource to produce clean and reliable energy, we transform a national challenge into an opportunity for enduring growth, rural prosperity, and strengthening the energy system.”
Combined Reports.
Côte D’Ivoire’s Renewable Energy Goals: A Closer Look
Côte D’Ivoire’s enterprising push toward renewable energy isn’t just about reducing carbon emissions; it’s a strategic move to bolster its economy and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.By capitalizing on its abundant agricultural resources, the nation is setting an example for other countries in the region.
Did You Know? The ivorian government offers tax incentives and other financial support to companies investing in renewable energy projects, making it an attractive destination for green energy investments.
Renewable Energy Targets
The country aims to achieve a 45% share of renewable energy in its electricity mix by 2030. This includes a focus on hydroelectric, biomass, and solar power sources.
Key Projects and Investments
The government is actively seeking private sector involvement, aiming to mobilize approximately $2 billion in investments to enhance energy production, transportation, and distribution.
Pro Tip: Farmers interested in participating in these renewable energy initiatives should contact their local agricultural extension offices for details on how to supply agricultural waste and benefit from these projects.
Comparative Analysis of Renewable Energy Sources in Côte D’Ivoire
| Energy source | Current Contribution | Projected Contribution (2030) | Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydroelectricity | Significant | 33% | Reliable, established technology | Environmental impact, water dependency |
| Biomass | Emerging | 12% | Utilizes agricultural waste, boosts rural economies | supply chain logistics, seasonal availability |
| Solar | Minimal | Part of 12% (with biomass) | Clean, abundant sunlight | Initial investment costs, storage needs |
Frequently Asked Questions About Côte D’Ivoire’s Renewable energy Initiatives
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Why is Côte D’Ivoire focusing on renewable energy?
Côte D’Ivoire aims to increase the share of renewable energies in its electric mix to 45% by 2030, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and diversifying its energy sources.
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How are cocoa and rubber by-products used for renewable energy?
cocoa shells, non-market beans, and rubber seeds, previously considered waste, are now being utilized to generate electricity and produce biofuels.
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What is the expected capacity of the new biomass power plant in Divo?
the power plant in Divo is planned to have a capacity of 76 MW, with an annual production estimated at 550 GWh, enhancing around 600,000 tonnes of by-products annually.
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What benefits do farmers in Côte D’Ivoire get from these renewable energy projects?
Farmers gain an additional source of income by selling agricultural by-products, such as cocoa and rubber waste, which were previously unused.
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Who is Eni and what role do they play in Côte D’Ivoire’s renewable energy sector?
Eni, an Italian energy company, is partnering with Côte D’Ivoire to structure the biofuel sector by optimizing the use of rubber seeds and introducing new oleaginous crops for biofuel production.
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What other agricultural sectors are involved in renewable energy production in Côte D’Ivoire?
Besides cocoa and rubber, the government is also integrating oil palm and cotton sectors into the national energy strategy, with projects focused on utilizing waste from these crops for biomass power plants.
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