Solar-plus-storage project in Senegal locks USD 24m in funding

September 29 (Renewables Now) - The West African Development Bank (BOAD) has approved extending some XOF 15 billion (USD 24.1m/EUR 22.9m) in debt to support the construction of a 30-MW solar park with an energy storage system in Senegal.

Teranga Niakhar Storage, a special purpose vehicle owned by Energy Resources Senegal, the development bank announced recently. The funding is earmarked for the construction of a photovoltaic (PV) farm near the commune of Niakhar, in the Fatik region of western Senegal.

The solar park will be coupled with a battery storage facility of 15 MW/45 MWh. The system will supposedly be built by Omexom, a subsidiary of the French group Vinci.

According to local media reports, the electricity generated by the solar park will be sold to Senegal’s state-owned utility Senelec. The output will be capable of meeting the power demand of around 150,000 local homes.

BOAD noted that the project will contribute to a better coverage of power demand and a more secure power supply. The West African country aims to increase the share of renewables in its electricity mix to 40% by 2030.

(XOF 100 = USD 0.161/EUR 0.152)