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Zagtouli Solar Plant

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Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)

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The Zagtouli Solar Power Plant is a landmark renewable energy project located on the outskirts of Ouagadougou. Commissioned in November 2017, it was at the time the largest solar photovoltaic plant in West Africa, covering an area of 60 hectares with over 129,000 solar panels. The facility has a peak capacity of 33 megawatts, providing clean electricity to tens of thousands of homes and reducing the country's dependence on expensive fossil fuel imports from neighboring countries. The project was primarily funded by the European Union and the French Development Agency (AFD) as part of a broader strategy to increase the share of renewables in the national energy mix. Zagtouli serves as a model for sustainable development in the Sahel, demonstrating the viability of large-scale solar power in regions with high solar radiation. It helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 26,000 tons of CO2 annually.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232730323230272627282623
Rain mm11326631071782451474510

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Zagtouli Solar Plant is a large photovoltaic facility near Ouagadougou that feeds renewable electricity into the national grid. It is a flagship project for Burkina Faso's energy policy and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
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Visiting
The solar plant is not usually open to the public for security reasons, but it can be viewed from outside the fence along the access road. Occasionally, the operating company has guided tours for groups that must be booked in advance.
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Where to view it
A good place to overlook the solar fields is the national road N4, which passes near the plant. From there, the glittering expanse of solar modules stretches to the horizon, especially impressive at sunrise or sunset.
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Local products
The plant's direct product is electrical energy, which cannot be purchased. However, the renewable electricity has a positive impact on the local economy, and travelers can buy items made with solar power in Ouagadougou, such as solar lamps or chargers.
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Active season
The solar plant produces the most electricity during sunny daytime hours, especially between 10 am and 4 pm. Peak production is reached in the dry months from November to April, when solar radiation is most intense.
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Nearby
A visit to the solar plant can be combined with a sightseeing tour of Ouagadougou, including the National Museum, the Palais du Mogho Naba, and the cathedral. The nearby reservoir Lac des Hippopotames also gives a beautiful natural setting.

Geography

Coordinates
12.31640, -1.63750

Facts

  • Commissioned in 2017 near the city of Ouagadougou.
  • Peak power output is rated at 33.7 megawatts.
  • Consists of exactly 129,584 solar photovoltaic panels.
  • Total project cost was approximately 47.5 million euros.
  • Funded by the EU (25 million) and AFD (22.5 million).
  • Covers a total land area of 60 hectares.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

BazouléBazoulé8 km · SExplore →
Ouagadougou Equestrian CenterOuagadougou Equestrian Center10 km · NExplore →
Ouagadougou Botanical GardenOuagadougou Botanical Garden12 km · NEExplore →
BingoBingo13 km · SExplore →
Ouagadougou ZooOuagadougou Zoo14 km · NExplore →
Ouagadougou PlateauOuagadougou Plateau14 km · NEExplore →
Paspanga Military CampPaspanga Military Camp15 km · NEExplore →
Ouagarinter Dry PortOuagarinter Dry Port16 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Zagtouli Solar Plant (5)

Nabitenga🌿 nature

A local observation spot situated in the vicinity of the Zagtouli solar plant.

Famille Pascale🏰 castle

A fortified family compound or large castle-like building situated in the Zagtouli area.

Famille🏰 castle

A prominent, fortified residential estate located near the Zagtouli solar plant.

Centre de formation Marie Poussepin des soeurs de Boassa🎭 culture

A training and cultural center run by the Sisters of Boassa near Zagtouli.

Centre de formation Neb-la-Bombou de Boassa🎭 culture

An educational and cultural facility serving the community of Boassa near Zagtouli.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How large is the Zagtouli solar plant?
It is one of the largest solar plants in West Africa with over 120,000 panels.
Can the facility be seen from the road?
Yes, the vast blue fields are visible from Route Nationale 1.
When was it commissioned?
The plant was officially inaugurated in 2017.
Is it accessible to tourists?
Direct access to the field is usually prohibited for security reasons.
What is the benefit of the facility?
It provides clean energy and reduces dependency on imports.
Zagtouli Solar Plant: where is it located?
Zagtouli Solar Plant is located in Burkina Faso.
Zagtouli Solar Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Nabitenga, Famille Pascale, Famille.
Zagtouli Solar Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Zagtouli Solar Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Zagtouli Solar Power Plant is a landmark renewable energy project located on the outskirts of Ouagadougou.
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Nearby cities

Bazoulé — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
Bazoulé
A village famous for its sacred crocodiles, which live in a local pond and are traditionally fed and touched by visitors.
Bingo — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
Bingo
A rural community in central Burkina Faso.
Dapélogo — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
Dapélogo
An agricultural community near the capital, contributing to the supply of the metropolis.
Kombissiri — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
Kombissiri
A town south of Ouagadougou, playing a significant role in sweet potato cultivation.
Doulougou — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
Doulougou
A quiet community in the Bazèga province, surrounded by green fields in the rainy season.
Boussé — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
Boussé
A town in the Plateau-Central region, surrounded by dry savanna and small farms.
Ziniaré — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
Ziniaré
The capital of the Plateau-Central region, not far from the capital Ouagadougou.

History & landmarks

Laongo — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
Laongo
An open-air museum and granite sculpture symposium featuring hundreds of artworks carved directly into natural rock formations.

Nature

White Volta — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
White Volta
A major river branch in Burkina Faso.
Red Volta — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
Red Volta
Fleuve Volta Rouge is part of the Volta river system in eastern Burkina Faso.

More places

CIMBURKINA Ouagadougou — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
CIMBURKINA Ouagadougou
CIMBURKINA Ouagadougou is a major cement plant in the capital.
Ouagarinter Dry Port — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
Ouagarinter Dry Port
Ouagarinter Dry Port is the main inland freight hub for Ouagadougou.
BRAKINA Ouagadougou — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
BRAKINA Ouagadougou
Brakina Ouagadougou is the country's best-known brewery site.
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CIMFASO Cement Plant
CIMFASO Cement Plant is a major cement producer in Burkina Faso.
Ouagadougou Equestrian Center — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
Ouagadougou Equestrian Center
Centre Equestre de Ouaga is an equestrian facility in the capital.
Ouagadougou Botanical Garden — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
Ouagadougou Botanical Garden
Jardin Botanique Ouaga is a botanical garden in Ouagadougou.
Ouagadougou Zoo — Zagtouli Solar Plant (Burkina Faso)
Ouagadougou Zoo
Jardin Zoologique Ouaga is a small urban zoo in Ouagadougou.
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Ouagadougou Plateau
The central plateau around the capital city.