Katiola - 50 MWp Solar PV

Overview
Project Summary Document
Environmental and Social Documentation
Procurement
Complaints

Overview

Provision of a financing package of up to EUR 24.0 million to Katiola Solar Power SA (the "Borrower") to finance the Project. The package includes (i) a Project Finance Loan of up to EUR 17.5 million, (ii) an IAC Loan of up to EUR 2.5 million and (iii) concessional financing of up to EUR 4.0 million. It will be provided alongside Proparco, the private sector financing subsidiary of the AFD Group ("Proparco"), which is providing parallel senior debt of up to EUR 24.0 million. The Borrower is a special purpose vehicle ("SPV") incorporated in Côte d'Ivoire and owned 51% by Aeolus SAS and 49% by EDF (together, the "Sponsors"). It was set up to develop, construct and operate a 50 MWp solar photovoltaic power plant and the associated transmission infrastructure (the "IAC") in Katiola, in the Hambol region of Côte d'Ivoire (the "Project").

The Project will sell the electricity generated under a long-term Concession Agreement between the Borrower and the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, with CI-Energies acting as offtaker of the Project's electricity output. The Project will be co-financed with Proparco, the French development finance institution, subsidiary of the AFD Group. EBRD financing package is expected to comprise (i) a secured, non-recourse senior project finance loan, (ii) a loan for the associated transmission infrastructure and (iii) a concessional loan funded under the Clean Technology Fund's Accelerating Innovation in Renewable Energy 2.0 Programme ("CTF AIRE 2.0").

Project ID 57354

Status Passed Concept Review, Pending Final Review

Location

Industry Sector

Energy

Notice Type

Private

Company Contact Information

Baptiste Costa-Marini
baptiste.costa-marini@edf-ao.com
https://www.edf.fr/en/the-edf-group
22/30 Avenue de Wagram, 75008 Paris, France

Project ID 57354

Status Passed Concept Review, Pending Final Review

Location

Industry Sector

Energy

Notice Type

Private

Environmental Category

Approval Date

02 Dec 2026

Disclosure date

28 Oct 2026

Project Description

Project Objectives

The Project is expected to add 50 MWp of solar generation capacity to Côte d'Ivoire's power system, which remains predominantly reliant on thermal generation. The Project will support Côte d'Ivoire's energy transition objectives and contribute to the Government's target of increasing the share of renewable energy in the electricity generation mix. It will also support the development of the country's emerging solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) market, help diversify the energy mix and mobilise private sector investment in renewable energy generation. The Project is classified as 100% GET and is expected to lead to a reduction of 32,772 tCO2/year in greenhouse gas emissions.

Transition Impact

Indicative ETI score: 64. The impact score is subject to further confirmation.

Primary - Green: The Project will support the construction and operation of a 50 MWp solar photovoltaic power plant, one of the first utility-scale solar PV projects in Côte d'Ivoire. Upon commissioning, the Project is expected to increase the country's installed solar capacity by more than half.

Secondary - Inclusive: The Project will promote human capital development by broadening access to market-relevant skills and employment opportunities linked to Côte d'Ivoire's growing renewable-energy sector through a new nationally-accredited, industry-aligned technical training programme for young people focused on competencies directly relevant to utility-scale solar projects.

Client Information

KATIOLA SOLAR POWER

The Borrower is a SPV incorporated in Côte d'Ivoire for the sole purpose of developing, constructing and operating the Project. The Borrower will be owned by Aeolus, a renewable energy Independent Power Producer ("IPP") platform focused on solar and wind projects across Africa, and EDF, a French state-owned multinational electric utility company operating across the electricity value chain, including power generation, transmission and distribution, supply, and energy services.

EBRD Finance Summary

EUR 24,000,000.00

A financing package of up to EUR 24 million to Katiola Solar Power SA comprising (i) up to EUR 17,500,000 under a Project Finance Loan, (ii) up to EUR 2,500,000 under the IAC Loan, and (iii) up to EUR 4,000,000 of concessional financing, to finance the Project

Total Project Cost

EUR 54,000,000.00

Additionality

EBRD offers financing that is not available in the market from commercial sources on reasonable terms and conditions, in particular, long-tenor project finance debt and concessional financing. These elements are necessary to support the implementation and bankability of the Project.

In addition, the Project will address persistent underrepresentation of women across technical, operational and leadership roles in Côte d'Ivoire's male-dominated energy sector through a dedicated Women in Renewable Energy Initiative, creating a structured pathway for women to benefit equally from the new skills and employment opportunities generated by the country's renewable energy transition.

EBRD provides comfort to clients and investors by mitigating non-financial risks, including country, regulatory, project, economic cycle, or political risks.

Environmental and Social Summary

Category B (ESP 2024). Environmental and social risks associated with the construction and operation of a 50 MWp solar PV power plant and associated 90 kV transmission line are site-specific and can be readily assessed and managed through implementation of an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP). Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) has been undertaken by an external party and included a review of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and associated management plans, including the Biodiversity Management Plan ("BMP"), Land Acquisition and Livelihood Restoration Plan ("LALRP") and Stakeholder Management Plan ("SEP") prepared for the Project prior to EBRD's involvement, as well as an assessment of the E&S lead Sponsor's environmental and social management systems (EDF), stakeholder consultations and site visits. The supply chain and biodiversity due diligence is still ongoing, and this PSD will be updated upon completion.

EDF is an existing client of the Bank and has the capacity to align projects with the EBRD ESRs, with a positive track record of compliance with existing ESAPs. The Sponsor has ISO-certified Environmental and Health and Safety Management Systems, along with relevant policies at corporate level and standard procedures for project development. Separate ESIAs have been completed for the solar plant, the transmission line and access road, and an overall Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) has been prepared. Regulatory approval of the transmission line ESIA remains in progress and will be monitored as part of the Bank's due diligence and ESAP implementation. A comprehensive Health and Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) management system will be developed for the Project, with the existing ESMP to be cascaded to subcontractors, and the hiring of appropriate resources by both the Client and subcontractors.

EDF has adequate labour policies and procedures in place, including a worker grievance mechanism that will be applied for the Project. A Labour Management Plan will be developed for the Project to manage contractors and other intermediary labour in line with labour laws and EBRD's ESR2. Any worker accommodation needed for the Project will comply with the EBRD worker accommodation guidance (2009). The Project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities during construction and a smaller permanent operational workforce. Project-specific Occupational and Community Health and Safety Plans will be developed with particular attention to worker influx, work in extreme heat conditions, gender-based violence and harassment risks to workforce and communities, and traffic management.

EDF has established a Supply Chain Management System ("SCMS") with a supplier code of conduct and policies that prohibit forced labour and provide for processes to identify, manage and monitor supplier risks associated with solar PV modules. All suppliers undergo integrity due diligence, which includes human rights considerations. In addition to suppliers' corporate policy reviews, the Project-specific supply chain assessment will include screening of potential risks related to solar PV suppliers and their lower tiers down to Metallurgical-grade silicon ("MGS") level. EDF will be required to verify sub-suppliers and monitor any emerging risks during project implementation as part of ESAP.

ESDD results indicate limited air emissions, minimal wastewater generation, and minor use of hazardous materials. Management plans will include dust control measures and waste handling procedures. Dry cleaning of PV panels will be used during operations, and specific actions regarding PV material sourcing, maintenance, and disposal will align with good international practices.

The Project will not result in any physical displacement, and the final route of the overhead transmission line and access road have been selected to minimize impacts on land use. Economic displacements through acquisition of agricultural land and restrictions on land use will occur, and a Land Acquisition and Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) has been developed. The PV plant location, overhead line route and planned access roads will affect land holdings associated with 28 project-affected persons, as well as perennial agricultural and informal grazing activities. The Client has started implementing the existing LARP, with compensation payments having largely been completed. Consultations undertaken by the Lenders' Environmental and Social Consultant indicated that affected persons have generally confirmed receipt of compensation. The LARLP will be updated to provide for compensation at full replacement cost, transition and assistance allowances as needed, to ensure full compliance with ESR 5. Additional consultations on the updated LALRP will be carried out and maintained throughout the Project implementation cycle, and livelihood restoration measures will be further articulated following feedback from affected households. The progress of the plan will be audited regularly during implementation and after completion.

The Project's assets are not located in biodiversity-sensitive areas and are outside migration routes. Fauna (including avifauna) and flora surveys undertaken during one dry and one wet season identified several species of conservation concern, including species listed as Vulnerable and Endangered on the IUCN Red List. However, a formal assessment of Critical Habitat and Priority Biodiversity Features (PBFs) consistent with ESR6 requirements, is still ongoing, and any findings will inform any necessary updates to the current Biodiversity Management Plan to achieve full compliance with EBRD requirements.

Stakeholder engagement activities have been undertaken through the ESIA process, and a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) and grievance mechanism have been established. The ESDD identified the need for further stakeholder engagement, improved communication regarding project timelines and employment expectations and increased awareness of the grievance mechanism. A dedicated Community Liaison Officer (CLO) will be hired before construction starts, responsible for the implementation of the SEP and management of external grievances throughout the lifetime of the Project.

The ESAP of the Project is being prepared and will be agreed with the Sponsors prior to board approval. The Bank will closely monitor implementation of the Project through E&S reporting from the Client and Lenders' E&S Advisor, as well as the Bank's monitoring visits to the Project, as necessary.

Green assessments

Paris Agreement Alignment

The Project is determined to be aligned with the mitigation and adaptation goals of the Paris Agreement, based on the application of the EBRD's Paris alignment approach for directly financed investments. The Project is aligned with the mitigation goals of the Paris Agreement, as it features on the joint-MDB aligned list under the category "Generation of renewable energy from solar, wind, wave power, run-of-the-river hydro, or geothermal with negligible lifecycle GHG emissions". Physical climate risks are either assessed as immaterial, or mitigation measures have been incorporated into the Project's design. The Project does not contravene national policies for adaptation or the climate resilience of the wider system. It is, therefore, aligned with the adaptation goals of the Paris Agreement.

Green Finance Attribution

100% of EBRD's financing is classified as green finance as it supports activities that contribute to climate mitigation. The attribution is made in line with the methodology used to determine the green finance attribution of EBRD investments, following the Route 1 for the defined use of proceeds and criteria under the following category: Generation of renewable energy from solar, wind, wave power, run-of-the-river hydro, or geothermal with negligible lifecycle GHG emissions.

Technical Cooperation and Grant Financing

The financing package includes a concessional loan of up to EUR 4 million and a Technical Cooperation grant of up to EUR 150,000 for the development of a new nationally accredited, industry-aligned technical training programme funded under CTF AIRE 2.0.

Company Contact Information

Baptiste Costa-Marini
baptiste.costa-marini@edf-ao.com
https://www.edf.fr/en/the-edf-group
22/30 Avenue de Wagram, 75008 Paris, France

Implementation Summary

PSD Last Updated

28 Oct 2026

Understanding transition

Further information regarding the EBRD’s approach to measuring transition impact is available here.

Business opportunities

For business opportunities or procurement, contact the client company.

For business opportunities with the EBRD (not related to procurement) contact:

Tel: +44 20 7338 7168
Email: projectenquiries@ebrd.com

For state-sector projects, visit EBRD Procurement:

Tel: +44 20 7338 6794
Email: procurement@ebrd.com

General enquiries

Specific enquiries can be made using the EBRD Enquiries form.

Environmental and Social Policy (ESP)

The ESP and its associated Environmental and Social Requirements (ESRs) set out the ways in which the EBRD implements its commitment to promoting “environmentally sound and sustainable development”. The ESP and the ESRs include specific provisions for clients to comply with the applicable requirements of national laws on public information and consultation, and to establish a grievance mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of stakeholders’ concerns and grievances, in particular, about the environmental and social (E&S) performance of the client and the project. Proportionate to the nature and scale of a project’s environmental and social risks and impacts, the EBRD also requires its clients to disclose information, as appropriate, about the risks and impacts of projects or to undertake meaningful consultation with stakeholders and consider and respond to their feedback.

More information on the EBRD’s practices in this regard is set out in the ESP.

Integrity and compliance

The EBRD's Office of the Chief Compliance Officer (OCCO) promotes good governance and ensures that the highest standards of integrity are applied to all of the Bank's activities in accordance with international best practice. Integrity due diligence is conducted on all Bank clients to ensure that projects do not present unacceptable integrity or reputational risks to the Bank. The EBRD believes that identifying and resolving issues in the project assessment and approval stages is the most effective means of ensuring the integrity of Bank transactions. OCCO plays a key role in these protective efforts andhelps to monitor integrity risks in projects post-investment.

OCCO is further responsible for investigating allegations of fraud, corruption and misconduct in EBRD-financed projects. Anyone, either within or outside the Bank, who suspects fraud or corruption should submit a written report to the Chief Compliance Officer by email to compliance@ebrd.com. OCCO will follow-up all matters reported. It will review all matters reported. Reports can be made in any language of the Bank or of the Bank's countries of operation. The information provided must be made in good faith.

Access to Information Policy (AIP)

The AIP, which entered into force on 1 January 2025, sets out how the EBRD discloses information and consults with its stakeholders to promote better awareness and understanding of its strategies, policies and operations. Please visit the Access to Information Policy page to find out what information is available from the EBRD website.

Specific requests for information can be made using the EBRD enquiries form.

Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM)

If efforts to address environmental, social or public disclosure concerns with the Client or the Bank are unsuccessful (for example, through the client’s project-level grievance mechanism or through direct engagement with Bank management), individuals and organisations may seek to address their concerns through the EBRD’s Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM).

IPAM independently reviews project issues that are believed to have caused (or to be likely to cause) harm. The purpose of the mechanism is: to support dialogue between project stakeholders to resolve environmental, social and public disclosure issues; to determine whether the Bank has complied with its Environmental and Social Policy or the project-specific provisions of its Access to Information Policy; and where applicable, to address any existing non-compliance with these policies, while preventing future non-compliance by the Bank.

Please visit the Independent Project Accountability Mechanism webpage to find out more about IPAM and its mandate and how to submit a Request for review. Alternatively, contact IPAM by email at ipam@ebrd.com for guidance and more information on IPAM and how to submit a request.

Environmental and Social Documentation is not available for this project.

Selected procurement notices related to this project may be shown below. Further procurement opportunities related to this and other projects, if available, maybe be viewed in the EBRD Procurement Portal.

The EBRD's Environmental and Social Policy (ESP), Access to Information policy (AIP) and Project Accountability Policy (PAP) enable sound and sustainable development in its projects. The Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM) deals with complaints about environmental, social and disclosure matters related to the Bank’s investments.

No complaints about this project have been made so far.

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Katiola - 50 MWp Solar PV

Overview

Company Contact Information

Project Description

Project Objectives

Transition Impact

Client Information

EBRD Finance Summary

Total Project Cost

Additionality

Green assessments

Technical Cooperation and Grant Financing

Company Contact Information

Implementation Summary

PSD Last Updated

Understanding transition

Business opportunities

General enquiries

Environmental and Social Policy (ESP)

Integrity and compliance

Access to Information Policy (AIP)

Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM)