This investment is part of a broader trend observed among Malian companies – particularly in the industrial sector – towards greater environmental responsibility and energy independence. As Célestin Yara, Technical Director of SONATAM, explains: “At SONATAM, we believe that industrial progress must align with environmental responsibility. Our shift to solar energy is a concrete step toward reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and cutting CO₂ emissions. It reflects our commitment to sustainable production and reinforces our identity as an eco-responsible company.”  

Developed in partnership with TYSILIO Deutschland GmbH, the 400 kWp solar PV system at SONATAM will generate up to 360,000 kWh annually, reducing reliance on costly diesel power and ensuring greater energy stability. The new system is projected to avoid up to 252 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year – reinforcing SONATAM’s commitment to sustainable and resilient industrial operations.

Support from the German Energy Solutions Initiative

The Project Development Programme (PDP), implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Energy Solutions Initiative, supported SONATAM in evaluating the technical and financial feasibility of solar project.

Through a detailed pre-feasibility study, PDP analysed the company’s energy consumption profile, determined optimal system capacity, budget requirements, and outlined return-on-investment projections.

Based on the positive findings of this assessment, SONATAM decided to move forward with the project and selected TYSILIO as a reliable German solution provider with a proven track record in solar systems for industrial applications.

As Xavier Juin, business development director at TYSILIO, explains: After many discussions between Tysilio and SONATAM, the support provided by the PDP to assist SONATAM in the decision-making process was a much-appreciated boost for all parties involved. This is yet another factory placing its trust in Tysilio as an integrator, and above all in its energy management system, which allows real-time monitoring of the plant and its performance down to the second.

Technical facts

Country / Region	Mali / Bamako
Sector	Tobacco
System type	Rooftop Solar PV, on-grid
Business model	EPC
Operational since	February 2025
Installed Capacity	400 kWp
Yield	Up to 360,000 kWh/yr
CO2 Emissions Saved	Up to 252 tonnes tCO2e/yr
Payback Period	Less than 5 years
Energy needs covered by solar system	Approximately 30%