The West African Development Bank (BOAD) has approved a $23 million loan to support the development of the Niakhar solar power plant project in Senegal by Teranga Niakhar Storage.
The solar power plant will have a capacity of 30 MWp and be equipped with a 15 MW/45 MWh electricity storage system. This will help in storing excess energy generated during the day for use during periods of low sunlight or high demand.
Omexom, a subsidiary of the French group Vinci renowned for its expertise in energy infrastructure projects, will construct the plant. The electricity generated by the plant will be sold to Senegal’s state-owned utility, SENELEC.
According to the BOAD, the Niakhar solar power plant is expected to improve the coverage of electricity demand in Senegal and contribute to the country’s electricity supply security. The project is expected to meet the energy needs of approximately 150,000 Senegalese households, making a significant contribution to the country’s energy access goals. Energy Resources Senegal has a larger plan to deploy 500 MW of installed solar capacity in West Africa by 2025.
This project is part of that broader initiative, Senegal boasts a diversified energy portfolio comprising gas, wind, solar, and biomass sources. The country’s total installed capacity from these sources stands at 1,555 MW, and solar energy is increasingly contributing to this mix.
