- West Africa’s first solar power plant integrated with battery storage specifically for grid frequency regulation has been commissioned in Senegal. Developed by Africa REN, the €40 million project connects directly to national utility Senelec’s network, providing critical stability and backup power during outages for millions of consumers.
Project profile
- Project : 10MW / 20MWh Battery storage + 16 MW of solar energy
- Location : Bokhol, Senegal
- Batteries: Lithium-ion
- Technologies : Monocrystalline modules / Single-axis tracker system / String inverters
- Off-take : 20-year take-or-pay PPP with Senelec
- Construction : 12 months
- Commissioning : July 2025
- Technical partner : Eiffage Energie Systèmes RMT
Financing was provide by Meter Sustainable Capital and Dutch development bank FMO, alongside debt from FMO and the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund. 217 local jobs were created during construction with 30 permanent positions now maintaining operations. The project also funded social initiatives including solar-powered water pumps, expanded drinking water access for five nearby villages, and technician training in battery maintenance.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
