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.
You can find a YouTube video of the inauguration here
Find more information here (ECOWREX power plant information) and here (source: GreenWish Partners)
