Lekela has appointed DNV as a contractor to carry out a feasibility study for West Africa’s largest grid-scale battery electric storage system (BESS) in Senegal.
The study will focus on how to provide increased grid stability and integrate intermittent renewable energy into Senelec’s electricity grid.
It is being funded through a grant provided by the US Trade and Development Association.
The proposed 40MW battery will provide 175 megawatt-hours of energy and will be located at Lekela’s 158.7MW Taiba N’Diaye project (pictured), the first utility-scale wind farm in Senegal.
The battery will help to stabilise the production of renewable energy and also provide additional services, such as frequency regulation and reactive power support.
It will consist of approximately 45 21-metre shipping containers and will be located adjacent to the wind farm.
Senelec, the national utility of Senegal, will dispatch the BESS once it comes online.
DNV will assist Lekela in developing the technical specifications for the BESS to ensure a successful technical solution that will provide services on the grid for its operational life, which may be up to 20 years.
DNV will also be involved in Lekela’s negotiation of the offtake agreement with Senelec, which is the first such contract of its type for energy storage in Senegal.
Construction of the BESS is expected to start next year.
Lekela chief executive Chris Antonopoulos said: “It feels incredibly exciting to be progressing on such an innovative project for Senegal.
“If successful, this battery will further the aim to provide clean, stable power to millions of Senegalese.
“Access to reliable, affordable energy will be critical to fuelling economic growth and energising a sustainable future for Senegal’s people.
“Lekela is proud to be at the forefront of this and hope to pave the way for further renewable energy growth in Senegal, and across the continent.
“We want to thank Senelec for their continued support and collaboration in making this project happen.”
DNV North America region president Richard Barnes said: “Battery storage is the keystone of the energy transition, and DNV is proud to support Lekela as they develop this renewable energy project.
“This storage system will help to stabilise the grid and create opportunity to increase renewable energy capacity in Senegal for the future.”