News

Senegal inaugurates a 20 MW solar power plant

Senergy 2 (Picture's source: GreenWish Partners)

Senegal officially launched on the 22nd of October 2016, a 20MW solar power plant (Senergy 2) in Bokho in the country’s north. Senergy 2 is part of a two-plant project and is set to provide electricity to around 160,000 people. It is an important step for a nation which is actively working for the inclusion of renewables in the energy mix. Currently Senegal meets most of its energy needs by using imported fossil fuels. According to the ECOWREX data portal, the electrification rate in 2016 is 90% for urban areas whereas it is 30% for rural areas. With this grid-connected solar plant, the member state makes a movement to become an example for renewable energy development in West Africa, a region that still lags behind in its development and use of the technology.

INAUGURATION OF A PV-DIESEL HYBRID POWER PLANT IN BILGO, BURKINA FASO

30KWp / 77KVA PV-Diesel Hybrid System in Bilgo, Burkina Faso (source: 2iE)

Le 31 mars 2016 a été inauguré la centrale hybride photovoltaïque/ diésel de Bilgo, village situé dans la commune rurale de PABRE. Cette centrale va contribuer à l’accélération de la couverture électrique nationale en améliorant significativement le taux d’accès des populations à l’électricité. La centrale électrique, fonctionne avec les systèmes hybrides photovoltaïque/groupes électrogènes de 30 kWc/77kVA. L’installation de cette centrale a été possible grâce l’apport financier de l’Union Européenne dans le cadre du projet « Flexy Energy » à hauteur 2 377 654 Euros soit environ 70% du budget global et avec une participation de la SONABEL, sous l’initiative et la coordination de 2IE.

Clean Energy Solutions Center and SE4ALL: No-cost Expert Assistance for Governments

SE4All Clean Energy Solution Center_Ask an expert_Photo from iStock, 45123424

The Solutions Center and SE4All have joined forces to provide Governments with rapid, on-demand expert assistance by implementing integrated country actions that strategically transform their energy systems. Through the Ask an Expert service, the Solutions Center provides NO-COST EXPERTISE through a network of more than 50 world-class multi-lingual policy and finance authorities from all regions of the world. These experts work directly with Governments to address country-specific needs as they develop country SE4All action agendas and investment prospectuses. Countries seeking assistance can submit a request for assistance through the Solutions Center website at cleanenergysolutions.org/expert or by email to expert@cleanenergysolutions.org.

West Africa's largest solar power plant in Senegal planned for 2017

West Africa's largets solar power plant in Senegal (©GettyImages/acques LOIC)

In May 2016, an agreement of € 43 million was signed for the Senergy project in Senegal, West Africa's largest solar power plant. Located in Méouane in the region of Thies, this solar plant is expected to start production in early 2017. It is funded by the FONSIS, the sovereign Strategic Investment Fund of Senegal, Méridiam, an investment fund, and Proparco, a subsidiary of the French Development Agency dedicated to the private sector.

First Call of ElectriFI launched- Electrification Financing Initiative of the European Union

First round of ElectriFI open until 6th May 2016. An Electrification Financing Initiative of the European Union

The Electrification Financing Initiative of the European Union, ElectriFI opened its doors on 15 April 2016 and interested parties can submit their project proposals through www.electrifi.org until 6 May. ElectriFI is an innovative mechanism to unlock, accelerate and leverage investments providing access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.

West Africa's first grid-connected biogas plant in Burkina Faso

The containerized 275 kW gas engine and hot water distribution system

FasoBiogaz SARL has successfully started electricity production in West Africa's first grid-connected biogas plant, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The power-plant has an installed capacity of 275 KW. Electricity is being distributed by SONABEL, the country's utility. FasoBiogaz is supported by the Dutch government.