Pan-African renewable energy developer AXIAN Energy has officially launched the construction of the NEA Kolda solar power plant, a 60mw facility located in Tankanto Escale, in the southern Kolda region, approximately 700 km from Dakar.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant step in Senegal’s transition toward clean energy, with the solar farm expected to power over 235,000 people and strengthen the national grid once operational, according to a statement from the developers.
The project also includes a battery storage system with a capacity of 72 mwh, bringing the total investment to €105 million. It received a major funding boost in October 2024, with €84 million provided by an international consortium comprising the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank FMO, and Germany’s DEG.
The construction contract was awarded to a consortium formed by Voltalia and Entech.
The NEA Kolda project is aligned with Senegal’s national energy strategy, which targets a 40% renewable energy share in the electricity mix by 2030. Beyond its energy contributions, the initiative promises socio-economic benefits for the region.
Approximately 400 local jobs will be created during construction and operation. AXIAN Energy is also investing 2 billion FCFA in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, including financial literacy training, support for sustainable agriculture, and livestock development.
Planned community infrastructure includes a maternity center and sports facilities, further demonstrating the project’s territorial impact and inclusive approach.
“This project represents a new generation of energy infrastructure in West Africa, combining inclusion, innovation, and local impact,” said Benjamin Memmi, CEO of AXIAN Energy, during the ceremony attended by regional officials and local communities.
Operating in nine African countries, AXIAN Energy currently manages 183 mw of installed capacity and is developing a pipeline of 800 mw, with the aim of reaching 1 gw by 2030.
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