Construction of West Africa’s first utility-scale wind power project has begun in earnest in Senegal its developer Lekela Power has announced.
The 158.7 MW Taiba N’Diaye wind power project is expected to put Senegal among countries in Africa that are quickly embracing renewable energy, says Chris Antonopoulos, Chief Executive Officer of Lekela.
“Senegal has been quick to embrace the idea and the advantages of renewable energy. Between Parc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye and several solar power projects also underway, the country is building a clear clean energy template for other African communities to study and follow,” said Mr
Antonopoulos.
The 46-turbine wind farm using Vestas turbines is scheduled to be fully operational in less than two years’ time and will provide over 450,000 MWh of energy per year.
This represents an approximate 15% increase in generation capacity for Senegal. Crucial to the project’s success has been the Plan Senegal Emergent, the government’s economic development accelerator programme.