29.5 MWp solar power plants located 125 km northeast of Dakar. In operation since July 2017.

Background

The Senergy project consists of the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of a 29.5 MWp solar power plant. Senergy PV S.A. was also in charge of the construction of a 9-km transmission line on behalf of the client Senelec, the Senegalese electricity utility. The project is located in Santhiou
Mekhe approximately 125 km northeast of Dakar.

Senergy SUARL, the initial developer of the project, signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Senelec at the end of December 2013. This PPA was subsequently transferred to Senergy PV S.A. Meridiam was approached by Fonsis, the Senegalese sovereign wealth fund, to join the project, finalize the development phase and raise the required financing.

An array of 92,000 photovoltaic panels has been installed and around 50 GWh per year of renewable energy can now be generated – securing a valuable and sustainable supply of low-cost electricity for Senegal, while providing an uplift to the local economy.

Connection of the new plant to Senegal’s existing power grid has provided much-needed additional electricity for the country, while also helping to meet the country’s objectives set out in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Overall, the Senergy project is a significant contributor to Senegal’s installed solar PV capacity and is providing clean and affordable power to more than 200,000 Senegalese people.

A dedicated team is responsible for supervising Meridiam’s four solar plants in Senegal. The plants therefore benefit from pooled resources and return of experience.

Stage

In Operation

ESG/SDG Key Facts

Farming perimeter

An Agricultural Perimeter Management Committee has been set up to help communities increase their income through an agricultural program supported by the availability of water throughout the year through drilling work carried out by the project company. Thanks to the construction of a basin to collect water from the borehole in April 2022, the cultivable area has increased, making it possible to extend groundnut cultivation to the varieties already grown in 2024.
Construction and equipment of classrooms
In October 2024, two new classrooms were constructed at Mekhé High School as part of an initiative to enhance educational infrastructure. The project company completed the construction and fully equipped the classrooms by December. To mark the occasion, the local community organized a small inauguration ceremony, celebrating this important step forward in supporting local education.