Global law firm Ashurst Perkins Coie has advised the lenders, comprising Société de Promotion et de Participation pour la Coopération Economique (Proparco) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), in connection with the limited recourse financing of two solar PV plants with integrated battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Chad.
The two solar PV plants, developed by Qair — a leading independent renewable energy producer active across Africa with a diversified 2 GW portfolio spanning solar, wind and hybrid projects — are located in the Gassi and Lamadji districts near N’Djamena, Chad’s capital. With a combined installed capacity of 30 MWp and integrated battery storage, the plants will be connected to the N’Djamena grid and are expected to generate approximately 65 GWh of clean electricity per year, contributing to a significant reduction in the country’s reliance on fossil fuel-based generation.
This landmark transaction represents a major step towards addressing Chad’s acute energy deficit — one of the most severe in Sub-Saharan Africa — and supports the broader energy transition in the region. The project forms part of the Desert to Power initiative, a flagship programme backed by the AfDB aimed at developing 10 GW of solar capacity across the Sahel.
Partner Mark Barges stated: “We are delighted to have supported Proparco and the AfDB on this landmark financing, which will bring much-needed clean energy capacity to Chad. This transaction demonstrates the critical role that development finance institutions play in mobilising capital for renewable energy projects in frontier markets, and we are proud to have contributed to a project that will have a tangible and lasting impact on the country’s energy landscape.”
The Ashurst Perkins Coie team was led by partner Mark Barges and counsel Cédric Gamambaye Dionmou, supported by associates Orphée Janaud, Zoé Delelis and Lilian Decot. The law firm Kreich Avocats assisted on the Chadian law aspects of the transaction.
Ashurst Perkins Coie is recognised for its capabilities and knowledge in complex cross-border energy financings and routinely advises sponsors, lenders, multilateral institutions and development finance institutions on strategic international energy projects throughout emerging markets, notably across Sub-Saharan Africa. The firm has deep expertise in energy and natural resources, project finance, banking and finance, and capital markets, with a strong track record in Africa and emerging markets. And is renowned for delivering commercially driven legal advice on complex cross-border transactions.
