Djibouti Village Lights Up with Solar

Key Figures & Findings: Djibouti has inaugurated its first off-grid solar power station in Adailou, Tadjourah region, delivering reliable electricity to homes, schools, health centres, and local businesses. The 165 kW solar facility, paired with 500 kWh of battery storage, ends decades of reliance on costly and unreliable alternatives. Built with LONGi Hi-MO X10 modules and Huawei storage systems, the project represents a milestone in Djibouti’s rural electrification strategy.

Statistics & Insights: Djibouti imports 65–70% of its power from Ethiopia, while only 60–65% of the population has electricity access, with rural areas most underserved. The new plant, providing power for hundreds of households in Adailou, offers a replicable model for off-grid communities facing similar challenges.

Future Implications: The project strengthens Djibouti’s target of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2035 and aligns with broader efforts to cut dependence on imported hydropower and diesel. If replicated, similar off-grid solar stations could transform rural access, reduce inequality between urban and rural populations, and position Djibouti as a regional leader in decentralised clean energy.

Source: ESI Africa

Quick Take:

From candles to clean power — Djibouti’s first off-grid solar station shows how rural Africa can leapfrog into a renewable future.