Solar Energy (Cameroon) - The JCM Solar PV Project, Mbalymayo, Cameroon
Solar Energy (Cameroon) - The JCM Solar PV Project, Mbalymayo, Cameroon
Date : 2016 – 2018 Author : Gregory Shaw
The establishment of a solar photovoltaic (PV) power station (60 MWAC / 72 MWDC) on 175 hectares (ha) of land including ancillary structures, access road and overhead power line to a local substation. The land intersects with several villages and two important ecosystems (wetlands and dry forest). The solar PV operation would significantly reduce Cameroon’s emissions, but local communities that rely on natural resources may be vulnerable.
CES undertook an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to seek authorisation and approval under national laws, and to assist JCM in following applicable national and international reporting standards and specifications relevant to the nature of this project. CES, together with a local consultant, carried out extensive biodiversity and social assessments to not only characterise the existing environment but to assess the potential impacts. As a result JCM were responsible for the implementation of the various mitigation measures outlined in the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).
In addition to the ESIA, CES were also commissioned to carry out more in-depth biodiversity assessments and analysis of alternative locations to ensure that both environmental and social impacts, as a result of the project, were kept as low as reasonably possible. These were provided to International Financial Institutions to support investment in the project.