Infinity Power, a joint venture between Egypt’s Infinity and UAE’s Masdar, has announced the signing of a 20-year Capacity Change Agreement with Senelec, Senegal’s national electricity company to supply 40MW through a battery energy storage system.
The system will enable Senelec to stabilise the nation’s electricity grid and pave the way for further renewable energy growth in the country.
The project will be operated by Infinity Power’s 158.7MW Parc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye (PETN) wind farm (pictured), located approximately 70km north of Dakar. The site supplies energy to over 2m people.
Construction of the battery energy storage system is expected to commence in early 2024 at the Tobène substation in Thies and is earmarked to become operational in 2025. Once complete, it will be one of the largest of its kind in West Africa, and will help Senegal avoid approximately 37,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. The BESS will also provide ancillary services such as frequency regulation, reactive power support, and energy charge and discharge.
With this project, Infinity Power aims to further its commitment to empowering a future of sustainable, renewable energy across Africa. The BESS will support Senelec in reducing its dependence on reserve capacity derived from thermal plants, with the company estimating it will save the grid an estimated $165m over its operating life.
“The capacity charge agreement we have signed with Senelec marks a significant milestone on our roadmap towards providing clean, reliable and affordable electricity access to the communities and citizens of Senegal,” said Infinity Power chairman Mohamed Ismail Mansour.
“Battery storage offers incredible opportunities for Senegal to reap the benefits of renewables, while ensuring people get a secure, reliable supply of energy. We are excited to begin a promising new chapter in Senegal and further strengthen our work in the renewable energy sector.”
Infinity Power chief executive Nayer Fouad added: “Providing renewable energy isn’t just about improving capacity, but also the infrastructure around it.
“We are looking forward to starting construction on this battery storage project in Senegal, expanding on our existing Parc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye wind farm, and helping to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.
“Our ambition is to have projects in every country in Africa, and we can’t wait to see what technology we can explore to help deliver clean energy to even more people.”
Commenting on the agreement, Senelec general manager Papa Mademba Biteye said; “Senegal is constantly eyeing opportunities to push ahead its renewable energy agenda by embarking on solutions that speeds up its transition to a low-carbon economy.
“The capacity charge agreement project with Infinity Power plays a pivotal role across both operational and financial levels through a long-term guaranteed performance to provide increased grid stability, integrate renewable energy into Senelec’s electricity grid and empower Senegal in becoming an independent power producer.”