Will two solar plants be built in Senegal's southern Casamance region?

DAKAR, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Two solar plants with a combined 60 megawatts (MW) capacity and battery storage will be built in Senegal's southern Casamance region to electrify rural areas, Africa-based project developer Axian Energy said on Wednesday.

How many solar plants are there in Senegal?

Manantali has an installed capacity of 200 MW dispatched as follows: 52% for Mali, 15% for Mauritania and 33% for Senegal (66 MW). As of 2019, Five solar plants have been opened in Senegal: Senergy (30 MW), Ten Merina (30 MW), Malicounda (22 MW) and two 20 MW capacity plants operated by Engie.

How can solar power plants benefit Senegal?

The project estimates that more than 400 jobs in the towns benefit from the existence of the new solar power plants in Senegal. Because Senegal mainly relies on imported oil for electricity, solar power plants offer a more reliable and sustainable green energy source that costs less.

How many jobs will the new solar power plants create in Senegal?

The addition of the solar power plants form part of the World Bank Group’s Scaling Solar program and are funded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), European Investment Bank and Proparco. The project estimates that more than 400 jobs in the towns benefit from the existence of the new solar power plants in Senegal.

Who produces energy in Senegal?

Energy is produced by private operators and sold to the Senelec energy corporation. According to a 2020 report by the International Energy Agency, Senegal had nearly 70% of the country connected to the national grid. Current government strategies for electrification include investments in off-grid solar and connection to the grid.

Is ten Merina a solar power project in Senegal?

This is Meridiam’s second solar power project in Senegal, delivering an additional reliable supply of low-cost and low-carbon electricity. Overall, Ten Merina is a significant contributor to Senegal’s installed solar PV capacity and is providing clean and affordable power to more than 200,000 Senegalese people.