Scatec, a leading renewable energy solutions provider from Norway, is making significant strides in bolstering West Africa’s energy infrastructure. The company is set to develop a 30 MW solar PV plant with storage in Benin and a 50 MW solar PV plant in Guinea, marking a major investment in the region’s clean energy future.
Scatec Secures Power Purchase Agreements in Benin and Guinea for Scatec West Africa Solar
Scatec has successfully secured two long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for its landmark solar projects in West Africa, developed in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). These agreements are crucial as they guarantee a stable revenue stream for the projects, making them financially viable and attractive to investors. Together, these initiatives represent a combined capacity of 80 MW of clean energy.
In Benin, Scatec has signed a 25-year PPA for a 30 MW solar plant to be located in Bohicon, approximately 130 kilometres north of Cotonou. A key feature of this project is the inclusion of a 15 MW/10 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). This BESS is vital for grid stability, allowing for the storage of excess solar energy generated during the day and its dispatch during peak demand or when the sun isn’t shining, thereby providing reliable, 24/7 power to the national grid. The entire solar panel manufacturing process is geared towards creating durable panels that can withstand such demanding environments.
In Guinea, Scatec will develop a 50 MW solar PV plant in Linsan, situated about 100 kilometres northeast of the capital, Conakry. This plant will significantly increase the country’s renewable energy capacity.
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Raymond Carlsen, CEO of Scatec, expressed his enthusiasm for the projects. โThese projects in Benin and Guinea are pivotal in our commitment to expanding renewable energy in Africa. By addressing the growing demand for clean electricity, we are not only fostering energy security but also supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability in the region.โ
Scatecโs Role in Developing the Scatec West Africa Solar Projects
Scatec will take a comprehensive role, overseeing the development, funding, and construction of both solar projects, as well as managing their long-term operations. Equity investments in the projects will come from Scatec and the IFC, with additional support from the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (NORFUND) and other partners. Understanding the solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown is essential for structuring such large-scale financing.
These initiatives are integral to the IFCโs Scaling Solar program, a “one-stop shop” that helps governments in emerging markets rapidly procure and develop large-scale solar projects with private financing. The program provides a comprehensive framework that includes feasibility studies, standardised contracts, and risk mitigation through World Bank products, streamlining the entire process and making it easier to attract investment. Building these plants requires expertise in the basics of solar panel manufacturing and complex on-site assembly.
Scatec Expands Renewable Energy Portfolio Across Africa with Scatec West Africa Solar
Scatec already has a robust presence in Africa, with over 1.4 GW of installed renewable energy capacity in countries like South Africa, Egypt, Uganda, and Rwanda. The companyโs global portfolio is also extensive, with projects in the Philippines, Ukraine, Jordan, Brazil, Malaysia, Argentina, and Vietnam. Globally, Scatecโs operational capacity exceeds 3.5 GW, with a massive project pipeline of over 10 GW.
The projects in Benin and Guinea are just the beginning of a deeper push into West Africa. More recently, Scatec announced further expansion by signing lease agreements for a total of 64 MW of solar PV capacity and 10 MWh of energy storage in Liberia and Sierra Leone. These new projects will utilize pre-assembled, modular solar and storage systems, designed for rapid deployment to enhance renewable energy access. This continued investment underscores a long-term commitment to the region, which relies on a global supply chain for key solar panel raw materials.
By providing reliable and sustainable power, these initiatives will be crucial in addressing West Africa’s energy needs, contributing directly to energy security and sustainable economic development. They also reflect Scatecโs unwavering commitment to expanding its renewable energy footprint and supporting the global transition to clean energy.
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