Senegal’s national electricity company, Senelec, signed agreements with private renewable energy operators for a wind farm and several solar power plants.
Senelec’s director general Pape Dieng said that initially 74 companies were approved for the renewable energy contracts. After that, the national utility selected 10 projects including the Taiba N’Diaye wind farm and seven to eight solar power plants including Bokhol, Medina Dakhar, Gossas, Kahone, Ourroussogui, Santhiou Mekhe, Kothiary, and Tivaouane.
The contracts, which could see renewable energy capacity increased by 310 MW, will be from 2014-2017. Dienge said that the country was upping its power generation and there had been fewer power outages as a result.
Senelec signed a 20-year PPA for the 151.8 MW wind farm. Chapin International & Co. Executive Director Eric McCartney told Alternative Energy Africa that the company’s goal is to reach financial close by June 30. The Taiba N’Diaye will use 46 Vestas V-126 turbines and be constructed in stages spanning over 34 months. McCartney added that the total project costs will be around €275 million and financed with 30% equity and 70% debt.
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