Two solar photovoltaic power plants with a combined capacity of 20 MWp is set to be built in Senegal. This follows a partnership deal inked between Sen’Eau and TotalEnergies with an aim to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of drinking water production in Senegal through the integration of solar energy into the infrastructure.
The infrastructure will be set up in Mékhé and Keur Momar Sarr. The larger plant will be located in north-western Senegal, with an estimated annual capacity of 25 GWh per year. It is expected to supply up to 32% of the electricity needed for a drinking water production facility.
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Energy efficiency
The second plant will be located in the Thiès region, with a capacity of 20 GWh per year, covering 32% of the electricity needs of the Mékhé booster station. The construction of both solar power plants is scheduled to commence simultaneously this year and the power plants will be built to supply drinking water in these regions.
The solar power station will support the Mékhé booster station, facilitating the transit of larger volumes of water to major consumption areas, including Dakar, Thiès, the Petite-Côte, and new urban centers.
Keur Momar Sarr municipality will have a third drinking water plant, expected to become the largest production site in Senegal with a capacity of 200,000 m3 per day. Water will be pumped from Lac de Guiers in the upper delta of the Senegal River.
Sen’Eau anticipates that the construction of these solar power plants will increase the energy efficiency of the sites and lead to savings on operating costs. Additionally, the projects aim to protect the environment by reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.