West African Development Bank Invests in 30 MW Photovoltaic Power Plant in Niakhar, Senegal
The West African Development Bank (BOAD) has approved a funding of 15 billion FCFA for a new 30 MW photovoltaic power plant. The new infrastructure will be located in Niakhar, 135 km east of Dakar, in the department and region of Fatick. This move is expected to increase and stabilize the electricity supply in the region and beyond. The plant, which spans 59 hectares, will be equipped with a battery storage system capable of retaining an electrical capacity from 15 to 45 MWh.
Investing in Renewable Energy
The BOAD’s investment in the new power plant reflects Africa’s growing interest in harnessing renewable energy to address its power needs. This development aligns with Ivory Coast’s commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 32% and increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix to over 40% by 2030. The UAE renewable energy company, Masdar, has signed an agreement with Ivory Coast to explore the development of a 50-70 MW solar power plant. This is part of a broader plan to develop production facilities that integrate solar power, hydroelectricity, and biomass.
Untapped Potential of Solar Power in Africa
Despite being referred to as the ‘sunny continent’, Africa’s potential for solar photovoltaic power remains largely untapped. Historically, the continent has relied on hydropower, which is decreasing due to climate change-induced water crisis. However, the narrative is changing as Africa is beginning to take advantage of its abundant renewable energy resources to provide utility-scale electricity to the approximately 600 million people who lack access to reliable electricity.
Current and Completed Solar Projects in Africa
Several African countries have embarked on ambitious solar power projects. For instance, the Lesedi Photovoltaic Solar Power project in South Africa generates approximately 150,000 MWh of renewable energy, providing electricity to nearly all of the approximately 65,000 households in the area. The Kalkbult solar PV plant in the same country generates 135 GWh of renewable energy per year, supplying electricity to 33,000 households and circumventing 115,000t of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
On the other hand, the Noor Ouarzazate Solar complex in Morocco, the largest concentrated solar power plant on the continent, produces 580MW. In Angola, the first phase of the Caraculo photovoltaic solar power plant in Namibe province has been inaugurated, adding 25 MWp of solar power to the country’s electricity mix.
Looking Forward
The investment by the BOAD in the new power plant in Niakhar signals a promising future for renewable energy in Africa. As more countries turn to solar power to meet their energy needs, it is expected that Africa’s solar photovoltaic potential will be fully harnessed, leading to increased access to reliable electricity and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.