Africa – Top Ten: Renewable Energy Projects in the MSBGC Region (By Charné Hundermark)

DAKAR, Senegal, October 6, 2021/ — By Charné Hundermark, Southern and East Africa Editor

The MSGBC region – comprising Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry – has seen a significant increase in energy developments and investments, owing to the region’s abundant resources. Rich in hydropower, solar, and wind, the region can use its significant potential to meet demand, leading the way towards a clean energy future. With governments committing to greener energy sources and the reduction in carbon emissions, the MSGBC region has focused on renewable energy project developments. Accordingly, both small- and large-scale projects across the entire renewable energy spectrum have been accelerated.

1. Souapiti hydropower Station – 450MW

The Souapiti hydropower station is Guinea-Conkary’s (https://bit.ly/3ae39Xr) largest renewable energy project with a capacity of 450MW. Located on the Konkure River Basin and developed by China Three Gorges Corporation, construction of the station started in 2016. With the commissioning of its fourth generating unit in March 2021, the project reached full capacity.

2. Taiba N’diaye Wind Farm – 158MW

Located 70km north-east of the capital city Dakar, the $400 million Taiba N’diaye wind farm is Senegal’s (https://bit.ly/3uLsDF0) first utility-scale wind power project, boasting a capacity of 158MW. The onshore wind facility covers 41 hectares and is equipped with 46 wind turbines, with a nominal capacity of 3.45MW each. With power purchased from the wind farm by the national power utility, Senelec, the wind farm supplies critical power to the national grid.

3. Kamsar and Boké Solar Power Plants – 82MW

The Kamsar and Boké solar facility is an independent project being developed by Clean Power Generation in partnership with Frontier Energy. Located in Guinea-Conakry (https://bit.ly/3lfzhAz), the project is spread over two sites, and boasts a total capacity of 82MW. With the country targeting the production of 30% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, the project will contribute significantly to this objective.

4. Garafiri Hydropower Station – 75MW

Guinea-Conakry’s (https://bit.ly/3FpwcFR) Garafiri hydropower station is located on the Konkouré river on the boundary between the Kindiar and Mamou region of the country. Constructed between 1995 and 1999, the hydropower station has been a valuable source of power for the country. In August 2021, the government invited bids for the rehabilitation of the facility, whereby capacity is expected to increase from 75MW to 122MW upon completion.

5. Leona Wind – 50MW

The Leona Wind Power project is a 50MW wind power generation facility located 200km north of the Senegal’s (https://bit.ly/3ldE2KB) capital city Dakar. Supplying critical power to the national grid, the Leona wind project has increased the country’s renewable capacity and provided residents with much-needed electricity.

6. Khoumagueli Solar Project – 40MW

Guinea -Conakry’s (https://bit.ly/3iBDqwQ) Khoumagueli solar project comprises the country’s first grid-connected solar plant. With a capacity of 40MW, the project is being developed by InfraCo Africa and Solveo Energie. The project will not only provide critical power to the population but will be able to tap into the West African Power Pool, providing power to both national and regional markets.

7. Kahone Solaire SA – 30MW

Part of the Scaling Solar program – a World Bank initiative to fast-track solar developments in Africa- the Kahone Solaire solar project is located in the Kaolack region of Senegal (https://bit.ly/3abMxj7). Comprising one of the first electricity generation projects by private operators in the country, the project has a capacity of 30MW and upon connection to the grid will provide valuable electricity to the country’s population.

8. Senergy Photovoltaic Power Plant – 29MW

Senegal’s (https://bit.ly/3aiDwVn) $50.6 million Senergy project is currently one of the largest solar power facilities both in the country and in west Africa. With a capacity of 29MW, the Senergy project supplies electricity to approximately 226,500 people, with Senelec purchasing electricity through a 25-year power purchase agreement.

9. Synergy 2 Plant – 20MW

The Synergy 2 project is the first operating solar plant by an independent power producer in Senegal (https://bit.ly/3uKZc68). The $23.5 million, 20MW solar photovoltaic facility was financed by Green Africa Power and has significantly enhanced renewable capacity in the country.

10. Sheikah Zayed Solar Power Plant – 15MW

The Sheikah Zayed solar power plant, located in Nouakchott in Mauritania (https://bit.ly/3FkkoER), is a 15MW facility built by MASDAR PV. Accounting for approximately 10% of the country’s grid capacity, the project produces on average, 25,409MW hours of electricity annually.

In response to growing demand for renewable power, and increasing interest by international stakeholders to invest, develop, and succeed in Africa, Energy Capital & Power will hold the  MSGBC Oil, Gas, & Power (https://bit.ly/3iCvCei) 2021 conference and exhibition on the 2-3 December 2021. Focused on enhancing regional partnerships, spurring investment and development in the oil, gas and power sectors, the conference will unite regional international stakeholders with African opportunities, serving as a growth-oriented platform for Africa’s energy sector.