The construction and operation of two independent solar PV plants totaling up to 79 MWp (60MWac) under the World Bank Group''s Scaling Solar program, located in Kahone and Touba, Senegal. Nearly 540,000 people in Senegal will get access to clean and affordable power following the launch of two solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, financed by IFC, the
Senegal''s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability is closely related to the growth of solar energy in that nation. Senegal is moving away from fossil fuels in favour of solar energy, which helps to reduce air pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
The IEA''s Energy Policy Review of Senegal 2023, published today, finds that energy is at the heart of Senegal''s 2035 strategy for accelerating sustainable development and economic growth known as the Plan Sénégal Émergent (PSE), or the Emerging Senegal Plan.
The power sector is the key enabler for Senegal''s sustainable development. The country''s electricity mix is dominated by heavy fuel oil (HFO), which accounted for 70% 2 of total electricity generation in 2022. In recent years, renewable energy has overtaken coal, with wind and solar power accounting for 21% of generation in 2022.
Dakar, June 1, 2021 - Nearly 540,000 people in Senegal will get access to clean and affordable power following the launch of two solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, financed by IFC, the European Investment Bank and Proparco, under the World Bank Group''s Scaling Solar program.
Senegal''s significant efforts to develop its energy sector and deliver energy access to more people are laying important groundwork for the country to achieve its broader economic objectives, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The IEA''s Energy Policy Review of Senegal 2023, published today, finds that energy is at the heart of Senegal''s 2035 strategy for accelerating sustainable development and economic growth known as the Plan Sénégal Émergent (PSE), or the Emerging Senegal Plan. The analysis comes as Senegal is taking stock of progress made between 2019 and 2023 and laying out its strategy for the next five-year period, which runs through 2028.
Based on consultations with a wide range of energy stakeholders and analysis of the latest energy data, the report identifies areas in which Senegal is seeing success, such as in expanding reliable and affordable electricity access, and provides recommendations to support the government''s vision for sustainable development, which hinges on achieving further energy progress.
Energy Policy Review of Senegal 2023 was launched at an event in Dakar by IEA Deputy Executive Director Mary Warlick and Cheikh Niane, the Secretary General of Senegal''s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy. Rita Madeira, the IEA''s Africa Programme Officer, presented its key findings.
"I welcome the conclusions of the review, which generally align with our analysis regarding the relevance of the directions taken by the Government of Senegal in the energy sector," Mr Niane said. "It also confirms the significant achievements in terms of strengthening the electrical system, promoting renewable energies, expanding universal access to electricity, and establishing a governance framework in line with the best standards."
The IEA and Senegal have fostered close collaboration in recent years. The partnership was further strengthened when Senegal joined the IEA Family as an Association country in June 2023. Both parties have demonstrated a strong commitment to work together closely on critical energy and climate issues.
Since the launch of the Plan Sénégal Émergent, Senegal has adopted reforms designed to attract foreign investment in its energy sector and boost participation from the private sector, while leveraging significant support from development finance institutions. The report finds that the stability of the country''s institutions has helped increase investment flows, although more will be needed to meet Senegal''s ambitions.
Senegal is also making large strides towards its goal of universal energy access. According to the IEA, in 2022, 75% of Senegal''s population had access to electricity, one of the highest rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. Almost 30% had access to clean cooking fuels and equipment, though much faster progress is needed to keep pace with the country''s population growth.
Senegal is a strong advocate for just energy transitions. The country has already met the wind and solar targets it established for 2025 under its most recent Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement, and it has joined the Global Methane Pledge to reduce the world''s methane emissions 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
In 2024, Senegal is expected to become an oil and gas producer. It is currently pursuing a strategy to switch to natural gas from heavy fuel oil for power generation, which will help the country reduce its reliance on fuel imports and lower the cost of electricity and related emissions. It has also set up state-backed funds that will increasingly leverage hydrocarbon revenues to finance sustainable economic growth.
"The IEA''s new report finds that Senegal has set a clear strategy to harness its abundant energy potential. This will allow the country to accelerate its development journey in line with the government''s policy priorities," Ambassador Warlick said. "Crucially, Senegal is reviewing progress made so far and honing plans for the coming years. The IEA is very pleased to support this process and remains committed to this excellent partnership. We hope this report and its analysis provide useful insights as Senegal continues to lay out impressive energy ambitions."
In our blog series we''re shedding light on the transformative carbon projects Abatable helped source for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. Each project is critical to the global climate agenda and plays a vital role in advancing local communities, protecting biodiversity, and driving sustainable development.
Here, we illuminate the Sakal Solar PV project in Senegal, a cornerstone of the Paris 2024 climate contribution strategy and a powerful example of clean energy proliferation supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Senegal''s energy landscape presents a pressing need for action. Around 85% of the country''s electricity is currently generated by fossil fuels, resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions. A reliance on imported oil and coal also places a significant strain on Senegal’s economy, with fuel imports making up about a third of foreign currency expenditure.
Alongside this heavy reliance on fossil fuels, 35% of Senegal''s population lacks access to electricity. This is more pronounced in rural areas, where 60% of people live without power. This energy access deficit has far-reaching consequences, limiting opportunities for education, healthcare and economic growth in these communities. Moreover, as electricity demand in Senegal rises by 6.2% each year, the need for a sustainable, reliable energy supply becomes even more urgent.
Enter the Sakal Solar PV project (VCS ID: 1971), designed to tackle these issues by providing clean, affordable energy to thousands of households while simultaneously reducing the country''s carbon footprint.
The Sakal Solar PV project, located near the city of Saint-Louis in northwestern Senegal, has resulted in the creation of a 20 MW tracker-based photovoltaic power plant, spanning 40 hectares. Since its commission in 2018, the plant has been a key component of Senegal''s energy transformation, generating 41.8 GWh of clean electricity annually – enough to power 200,000 local households each year.
The renewable energy project stands as a model for integrating clean energy into national grids, helping Senegal transition from fossil fuels to renewables. The project is certified under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), ensuring transparency and accountability in the generation and trading of carbon credits.
This initiative plays a crucial role in Senegal’s aim to meet its national renewable energy targets. By 2030, the government aims for 40% of its energy mix to come from renewable sources. With approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine annually and irradiation of 5.8 kWh/m2/day – almost double that of France – Senegal is well-positioned to become a hub for solar energy production in West Africa.
The Sakal Solar PV project generates carbon credits by producing clean, renewable energy that displaces the need for fossil fuel-based electricity. This is done through the installation and operation of its solar plant, where the electricity generated is fed into Senegal’s national grid. Each megawatt-hour of renewable energy produced prevents emissions that would have otherwise come from burning fossil fuels, thus avoiding CO2 emissions.
Careful calculations were made to ensure the project is additional and would not have occurred without the additional revenues offered from carbon finance generated from the sale of carbon credits.
About Senegal solar energy for the environment
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Senegal solar energy for the environment have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Senegal solar energy for the environment for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Senegal solar energy for the environment featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
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