Construction on the Taiba N’Diaye wind farm, located 70km north of Senegal, has officially begun says renewable energy production company, Lekela.
Considered West Africa’s first utility-scale wind power project, the wind farm has a capacity of 156.7 MW and is set to be completed in 2020, supplying power to over two million people.
The project will consist of 46 Vestas V136 wind turbines that can produce 3.45 MW each, Lekela said in an official statement.
Annually the turbine facility will generate over 450,000 MWh of energy, boosting Senegal’s generation capacity by approximately 15 percent.
On the reception of renewable energy in Senegal, Chris Antonopoulos, CEO at Lekela told media that: “ 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.”
The wind farm will also have great economic impacts, providing approximately 385 employment opportunities.
“The wind farm and local community will implement an extensive social investment program in and around Taiba N’Diaye, focusing on creating sustainable livelihoods for communities by improving agriculture and providing vocational training for youth,” the statement said.
Further, Lekela estimates that over the life of the project such investment would total around $20 million.
