The U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed a grant agreement with Ecostar Energy Côte d’Ivoire for technical assistance to support the development of an estimated 25-megawatt cotton stalk biomass power plant in the Boundiali region of Côte d’Ivoire.

Ecostar selected Washington, D.C.-based Delphos International Ltd. to carry out the assistance.

“USTDA’s partnership with Ecostar will support the diversification of Côte d’Ivoire’s power generation mix with a renewable resource that is locally abundant,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “This project will also contribute to the country’s power generation capacity to keep up with its growing economy, while creating opportunities for U.S. companies to partner with Ecostar to supply the equipment and services needed for project implementation.”

Upon implementation, the biomass power plant will primarily be fueled by locally sourced cotton stalk. The project will increase Côte d’Ivoire’s electricity generation capacity, increase the country’s share of renewable energy sources, and provide additional revenue generation for farmers. It will also address challenges with widespread agricultural waste that, if not put to other productive use, is burned and produces air pollution.

“Like most African countries, the Ivorian economy is heavily reliant on agriculture. Biomass generated as a byproduct of farming activities could foster socio-economic growth in marginal regions through its capacity to enhance energy security. This grant from USTDA comes in a timely manner and covers all funding gaps needed to complete outstanding feasibility workstreams,” said Sylvain Kouame, CEO of Ecostar Energy Côte d’Ivoire.