Axian Energy has begun construction on the 60 MW NEA Kolda solar plant in Senegal, which is set to be the country’s largest solar facility. The plant will feature a 20 MWh battery system to enhance grid stability and storage capacity.
Axian Energy and Senelec Collaborate on a Senegal solar plant Project
Axian Energy, a prominent independent power producer (IPP) in East Africa, Madagascar, and Senegal, has begun construction on what will be the largest solar power plant in Senegal. The 60 MW NEA Kolda solar plant will also feature a 20 MWh battery system to help stabilise the grid and store energy for later use. Axian Energy secured €84 million for this solar-storage project, highlighting its commitment to renewable energy in the region (as reported by PVKnowhow).
The project, developed in collaboration with Senegal’s national electricity company, Senelec, is set to become the country’s largest solar facility and its first hybrid solar plant with battery power. Located in the Kolda region, the plant aims to broaden Senegal’s energy mix and improve access to electricity nationwide, aligning with the National Energy Pact that aims for universal electricity access by 2030 (according to PVKnowhow).
The project is being executed in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF).
NEA Kolda to Power Homes and Jobs with Senegal solar plant
The NEA Kolda project will generate 233 GWh of electricity annually, enough to power 233,000 homes. The addition of the battery system will help stabilise the grid and store energy for later use. This will allow Senelec to improve the quality of electricity available to customers, reduce electricity losses, and integrate more renewable energy into the grid.
The project is also expected to create 300 jobs during the construction phase, with a focus on hiring local labour. The plant is expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
Axian Energy is a major player in the energy sector, focusing on renewable energy projects in East Africa, Madagascar, and Senegal. The company operates over 400 MW of installed capacity and has 700 MW of projects under development.
Senegal Expands Renewable Energy with New solar plant Projects
Senegal’s renewable energy sector is expanding with the addition of new solar projects. In October 2024, French company Qair announced plans to develop a 30 MW solar power plant in the Saint-Louis region. This project is expected to be operational by 2026 and will supply electricity to Senelec, Senegal’s national electricity company.
Qair’s project is the fourth solar power plant it has developed in Senegal. The company currently operates three other plants: the 21 MW Kahone plant in the Kaolack region, the 29 MW Kael plant in the Diourbel region, and the 23 MW Touba plant in the Thiès region.
Other companies are also investing in solar energy in Senegal. In July 2024, British investment firm Actis and Saudi developer Alfanar acquired the 30 MW Kahone II and 20 MW Touba II solar plants from Norwegian independent power producer Scatec. These plants are part of the World Bank’s Scaling Solar programme and are expected to be operational by 2025.
These new investments are helping Senegal to expand its renewable energy capacity and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The country is well-positioned to become a leader in solar energy in West Africa, especially with projects like the NEA Kolda, which is set to transform the energy landscape. Senegal is also planning to initiate construction of West Africa’s largest solar power plant with 300 MW capacity (according to PVKnowhow).
