Senegal has begun commercial operations at a new solar energy facility that combines photovoltaic power with lithium-ion battery storage, the first of its kind in West Africa, as the country of over 18 million people moves to strengthen its electricity grid.
How many solar photovoltaic plants will be built in Senegal?
Two new solar photovoltaic plants will be built: the 25 megawatt peak (MWp) Kael solar park in the Touba region in western Senegal and the 35 MWp Kahone solar park in the Kaolack region in central western Senegal.
The system will utilise reserve energy when there are deficits, bring power and grid assets online after failures, and supply electricity to the cities in the northern part of Senegal during power outages.
Within 6 years, Senegal has added more than 345MW of clean power, accounting for nearly a quarter of its energy mix. This is a concrete example of the impact of policy implementation prioritising progress towards net-zero and accelerating energy access to above 70%, the 12th highest in Africa.
EAIF acted as co-lender alongside the Dutch development bank FMO, to support the development of the €42m landmark project. A Euro equivalent US$1.5m capital grant extended by PIDG Technical Assistance will ensure the project is designed to maximise supply of clean power to Senegal's grid, whilst remaining economically viable.
How much battery storage does Walo need?
Millenium Challenge Corporation, a US government foreign aid agency, recommended the installation of at least 80MW battery storage, with Walo as one of the first in a series of projects.