- First battery energy storage system in West Africa purpose built for frequency regulation and grid stability.
- Hybrid project combines 10 MW battery storage with an existing 16 MW solar power plant.
Africa REN has commissioned the 10 MW 20 MWh Walo Storage battery energy storage system in Bokhol in northern Senegal, marking a regional milestone for grid stability and renewable energy integration. The project is paired with a 16 MW solar photovoltaic plant and is the first in West Africa specifically designed to provide frequency regulation services to a national electricity grid.
The battery system is co located with the solar facility, which was originally commissioned in 2016, creating a hybrid solar and storage installation with a combined capacity of 16 MW of solar generation and 10 MW of battery power. Using lithium ion technology, the battery is designed to deliver fast response ancillary services to the national utility Senelec, helping to stabilise the grid as renewable energy penetration increases.
By providing frequency regulation and other grid support services, the Walo Storage project improves the reliability and resilience of electricity supply in northern Senegal. The facility is expected to avoid approximately 26,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year by enabling greater integration of solar energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuel based generation.
The project was developed by Africa REN with financial support from international partners, including EUR 11.5 million in funding from the Emerging Africa and Asia Infrastructure Fund. The commissioning of Walo Storage highlights the growing role of battery energy storage systems in supporting Africa’s clean energy transition and strengthening national power grids.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
