Juwi Renewable Energies is set to build a $33.2 million solar and storage facility in Senegal to power the Grande Côte mineral sands mine. Featuring a 20 MW solar plant and 11 MWh of battery storage, the project will supply 20% of the mine’s energy needs and reduce its carbon emissions by 25,000 tons annually.
Solar and Storage Facility: Supporting Senegal’s Mining Sector
Germany-based Juwi Renewable Energies has announced plans to construct a $33.2 million solar and storage facility in Senegal. This facility will integrate a 20 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with an 11 MWh battery storage system, powering Eramet’s Grande Côte mineral sands mine and marking a significant step in the country’s renewable energy journey.
Located in Diogo, western Senegal, the Grande Côte mine will source 20% of its energy from the new facility. As one of the world’s top producers of mineral sands, the mine extracts ilmenite, leucoxene, zircon, and rutile. The site, where operations began in 2014, currently relies on a 36 MW heavy fuel oil power plant and employs over 2,000 people.
By reducing its reliance on heavy fuel oil, the mine will cut its carbon emissions by 25,000 tons annually. The new solar and storage system will also improve energy reliability, ensuring greater production stability.
Juwi and Eramet’s Commitment to Sustainability
Juwi’s South African office will oversee the project, which will be one of Senegal’s largest off-grid hybrid renewable energy installations. The initiative aligns with Eramet’s global decarbonization strategy and showcases Juwi’s expertise in delivering innovative solar and storage solutions, particularly for challenging ground conditions.
“By leveraging Juwi’s off-grid solar and storage capabilities alongside Eramet’s sustainability goals, this project sets a new benchmark for innovation in the mining sector,” said Paris-headquartered Eramet.
The $33.2 million (ZAR 600 million) investment in the facility underscores a strong commitment to renewable energy for industrial applications. The project will also benefit the local economy by creating more than 100 jobs during its construction and maintenance phases.
The project’s environmental impact is also significant. By integrating solar and battery technologies, the mine will drastically reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. The project is poised to serve as a model for other mining operations aiming to transition toward cleaner energy sources.
Leading Innovation in Solar and Storage Solutions
With extensive experience developing off-grid renewable energy systems, Juwi’s latest venture in Senegal highlights its commitment to the mining sector. By blending renewable energy with advanced battery storage, the company delivers cost-effective and sustainable power for industrial operations.
The project’s 11 MWh battery system is critical, storing excess solar energy generated during the day to supply power at night or during cloudy conditions. This capability ensures an uninterrupted energy supply, addressing the mine’s 24/7 operational needs. The facility also reinforces Senegal’s growing role in Africa’s renewable energy landscape, setting a precedent for integrating renewables into industrial operations.
For Senegal, the project supports the mining sector while aligning with the country’s broader goal of increasing renewable energy adoption. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the initiative helps drive economic growth and ensure environmental sustainability.
Juwi Renewable Energies’ 20 MW solar and storage facility represents a transformative step for Senegal and the mining industry. By combining solar power with battery storage, the project will deliver clean energy, cut carbon emissions, and underscore the role of renewables in driving sustainable industrial development.
