West African countries have for years had some of the highest electricity tariffs in Africa, and even prior to the discovery of major oil & gas deposits in the MSGBC Basin, many of these countries began investing in alternative energy sources including solar and photovoltaic plants; wind energy; and hydro power plants. From Senegal to Guinea-Conakry, governments are aiming to attract more private sector investment in renewable energy projects to help decrease energy costs, boost rural electrification and fight energy poverty by expanding the role of environmentally sustainable energy projects.
Mauritania- Sheikh Zayed Solar Power Plant
The Sheikh Zayed Solar Power Plant is a 15MW photovoltaic facility in Nouakchott, built by MASDAR PV. The facility accounts for 10% of Mauritania’s grid capacity and produces 25,409 megawatt-hours of clean electricity annually.
Senegal – Taiba Ndiaye Wind Farm
Senegal’s Taiba Ndiaye is a 158 MW Wind Farm that was inaugurated in February 2020, and is currently generating 50 MW. Once fully operational it will generate 158 MW and increase the country’s renewable energy capacity by 15%.
The Gambia – Bikrama Solar Power Plant
The Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company in March 2020 completed the preliminary phase of a tender for the 20 MW Bikrama solar power plant project in the Greater Banjul area. The solar project, funded by the World Bank, the European Union and the European Investment Bank will include up to four photovoltaic plants ranging in size from 3 MW to 6 MW of generation capacity.
Guinea Bissau – Bambadinca, Bissora, and Contuboel PV Mini-Grid Project
Through the United Nations Development Organization and the Ministry of Energy, Guinea Bissau is currently operating and installing the Bambadinca (312 kWp), Bissora (500kWp), and Contuboel (100 kWp) PV mini-grid project, one of the biggest hybrid solar projects in ECOWAS, located in the region of Bafata.
Guinea Conakry- Kamsar and Boké Solar Power Plants
The German company Clean Power Generation, in partnership with Frontier Energy, is developing the 82 MW Kamsar and Boké independent solar power project in Guinea Conakry, one of the largest of its kind in West Africa.
In response to growing demand for renewable power, and increasing interest by international stakeholders to invest, develop, and succeed in Africa, Energy Capital & Power will hold the MSGBC Oil, Gas, & Power 2021 conference and exhibition on the 1-3 December 2021. Focused on enhancing regional partnerships, spurring investment and development in the oil, gas and power sectors, the conference will unite regional international stakeholders with African opportunities, serving as a growth-oriented platform for Africa’s energy sector.
