The GDIZ is planning an energy offensive to produce more than 625 MW of electricity. Létondji Beheton, Director General of SIPI-Bénin S.A. Announced these energy projects on 21 October 2026. The expansion aims to support industrial activities within the zone through increased power capacity. Officials from SIPI-Bénin S.A. Confirmed that the initiative will utilize infrastructure developments to meet the rising demand for energy at the site. These projects represent a significant shift in the operational capabilities of the Glo-Djigbé zone as it seeks to scale its manufacturing output. Work on the energy expansion is expected to proceed in phases to ensure the delivery of the targeted electrical load. By prioritizing these energy assets, the administration of the zone intends to foster a more reliable environment for the various industrial tenants currently operating within the perimeter. The phased approach is designed to align with the specific energy requirements of incoming manufacturing units and processing plants.
Pipeline Infrastructure and Thermal Power
A 30-kilometer gas pipeline connecting the GDIZ to the existing thermal power plant in Maria-Gléta has been completed. This infrastructure provides a direct link between the industrial zone and the established energy supply source. The completion of this pipeline serves as a foundational element for the broader energy strategy currently under implementation by the zone’s leadership.
SIPI-Bénin S.A. Also announced plans to construct a thermal power plant at the site. The facility is designed to have a capacity exceeding 225 MW. This expansion intends to integrate additional generation assets into the existing network to support manufacturing operations within the zone. By establishing this dedicated thermal power plant, the GDIZ plans to construct a thermal power plant with a capacity exceeding 225 MW to ensure that base-load requirements are met consistently. This plant will function as a central pillar of the zone’s energy architecture, providing a stable and continuous power supply that is critical for large-scale industrial processing and manufacturing activities that require uninterrupted electricity.
Solar Energy Development Plans
GDIZ management intends to develop solar power projects with a total capacity of 300 MW to diversify the energy mix within the industrial zone. These initiatives represent a shift toward renewable generation to supplement the existing thermal supply. The GDIZ plans to develop solar power projects with a total capacity of 300 MW to increase the overall sustainability of the energy portfolio. By incorporating these renewable sources, the management seeks to balance the energy mix and reduce long-term operational costs associated with industrial power consumption.
Construction of the first solar power plant is scheduled to begin within the next 18 months. This facility serves as the initial step in realizing the broader solar infrastructure goals established for the Glo-Djigbé site.
Separate from ground-mounted arrays, the installation of photovoltaic panels on warehouse and industrial building rooftops is expected to produce approximately 100 MW. SIPI-Bénin S.A. Plans to utilize these large surface areas to maximize onsite generation potential. These rooftop projects will integrate directly into the zone's distribution network to supply power to tenants. By leveraging the expansive footprint of the industrial buildings, SIPI-Bénin S.A. Aims to optimize the use of existing space for energy production, thereby reducing the land footprint required for new energy infrastructure while simultaneously enhancing the self-sufficiency of the Glo-Djigbé site.
