Published byAbby Butler,
Editorial AssistantEnergy Global,
Monday, 29 Jun 26
In 2023, Toyota Tsusho received an order from the Beninese Electricity Production Co. for the construction of a 25 MW solar power plant in the Pobé region of Benin. Toyota Tsusho undertook the construction of the first solar power plant by a Japanese corporation in West Africa, with power generation beginning in March 2026
Benin’s domestic electricity access rate remains in the 40% range, and the country faces challenges including dependence on electricity imports from neighbouring countries and thermal power generation. In the Pobé region, three solar power plants, including the plant constructed by Toyota Tsusho, are in operation, with a combined capacity of 75 MW. These plants are contributing to solving these challenges. At the same time, electricity generated from solar power is subject to significant output fluctuations due to factors such as weather conditions. In addition, because solar power can only be generated during the daytime, challenges remain, including responding to peak electricity demand after sunset. Toyota Tsusho has continued discussions with the government of Benin to address these issues.
In the project, Toyota Tsusho will install BESS with an output of 50 MW and storage capacity of 160 MWh for the three solar power plants in the Pobé region. The introduction of storage batteries will absorb fluctuations in solar power output, maximise the utilisation efficiency of the power generation facilities, and improve stability of the overall power grid
In Benin, the promotion of decarbonisation and green energy is positioned as an important national policy, and the project embodies that policy. It will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving sustainable development in the country
The Toyota Tsusho Group promotes carbon neutrality to pass on a better Earth to the children of the future. In Africa as well, under the key message ‘for the future children of Africa,’ Toyota Tsusho will continue to promote green businesses that contribute to solving social issues and achieving economic growth
For more news and technical articles from the global renewable industry, read the latest issue of Energy Global magazine
Energy Global’s Summer 2026 issue
The Summer issue of 2026 is out now! The new issue starts with a regional report on Latin America and the Caribbean, considering the benefits and challenges of renewable energy development in the region. The issue also covers topics such as lubricants, digitalisation, the importance of ports, battery storage technology, and more! With contributors from industry leaders including ABB, WindEurope, Sungrow, among others, this is an issue not to miss
