AXIAN Energy has completed the installation of West Africa’s largest solar power plant, located in the Kolda region of Senegal.
This pioneering project, which integrates both solar power generation and battery storage, marks a major milestone in Africa’s renewable energy transition.
The project has received a substantial financial backing of 84 million euros from a consortium of investors, including the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), the Dutch Development Bank (FMO), and the Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG).
With a total investment surpassing 105 million euros, the solar plant will generate 60 MW of electricity, supported by a 72 MWh battery storage system, providing reliable renewable energy to 235,000 people across Casamance, a region historically underserved in terms of power supply.
Benjamin Memmi, CEO of AXIAN Energy, highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “The Kolda solar farm reflects our commitment to promoting energy inclusion in Senegal and Africa, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
This project will provide clean solar energy to approximately 25,000 households in Casamance.
With the addition of advanced storage technologies, we are setting new benchmarks in sustainable energy, strengthening grid stability, and maximizing renewable resources.
We thank our financial partners, EAAIF, FMO, and DEG, as well as the Senegalese authorities and Senelec for their support of this vision.”
The project is a breakthrough in clean energy production and storage, positioning Senegal as a leader in the region’s renewable energy sector.
Tidiane Doucouré, Director of Alternative Credit for Emerging Markets at Ninety One Group, the manager of EAAIF, underscored the project’s importance, stating, “This investment represents a significant step forward, and we are proud to support AXIAN Energy in this vital project, which plays a key role in Africa’s and Asia’s energy transition.”
Huib-Jan de Ruijter, a member of FMO’s Board of Directors, also commented, saying, “This iconic project renews our commitment to Senegal’s ambition to diversify its energy mix with renewable sources.
It is our second solar project with storage in Senegal, further enhancing the integration of green energy.”
Monika Beck, a member of DEG’s Board of Directors, added, “This financing is a crucial opportunity to electrify rural areas in Senegal.
The project promotes a more stable electrical grid, fostering local development, job creation, and future investment.”
With this groundbreaking solar plant, Senegal continues to push the boundaries of energy innovation, paving the way for a more sustainable and energy-secure future in West Africa.
