Promotion of renewable energies

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The project envisages the implementation of a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system of approximately 15 MW in the Diass region south of Dakar (component 1) and the integration of PV into the power generation systems of 3 medium-sized (component 2) and 4 small (component 3) decentralized island grids in rural regions of Senegal, which have a total capacity of approximately 17 MW. In component 3, batteries for storing electricity and small, supporting diesel generators were also installed. Due to its size and technical concept, the project is exemplary for the further development of photovoltaics in Senegal. The grid-connected system fed electricity into the national grid and also directly supplied a nearby Zone Economique Spéciale Intégrée (free trade zone). In the 7 decentralized grids, electricity from PV replaced the currently diesel-based, very expensive and environmentally harmful electricity generation - as far as technically possible and economically viable (hybrid systems/fuel savers). The aim of the FC project was (i) to provide additional electricity in a reliable, environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner and (ii) to diversify the country's energy supply. The measure thus contributed to improving the basic supply of the respective population and to economic development and income generation through productive use of electricity. The target group of the grid-based component was all electricity consumers in Senegal supplied via the central electricity grid. As a result of the direct supply to the Diass industrial zone, the companies and businesses there and the people employed there will benefit in particular. The decentralized components will benefit the people currently and in the future supplied by the respective systems. The total cost of the investments at the 8 locations was estimated at around EUR 30 million. A financial contribution of EUR 27 million was made from FC funds. The remaining amount of around EUR 3 million was provided by the project sponsor Senelec or the Senegalese government as a contribution. The total period of project preparation and implementation (from the time the implementation consultant was commissioned) was estimated at approximately 27 months.