By:Solarquarter

AXIAN Energy has officially commenced construction of the NEA Kolda solar power plant in Tankanto Escale, located in the southern Kolda region of Senegal, approximately 700 kilometers from Dakar. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by regional authorities and local communities, underscoring the project’s significance as a transformative energy and development initiative for the region.

The NEA Kolda solar plant will feature an installed capacity of 60 megawatts (MW) and a battery energy storage system (BESS) with 72 megawatt-hours (MWh) of capacity. Once operational, it is expected to provide electricity access to more than 235,000 people, enhancing the resilience of Senegal’s national grid during peak demand periods. The project supports Senegal’s national target of increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix to 40% by 2030.

The solar facility is being developed through a strategic partnership involving international finance institutions and leading renewable energy players. In October 2024, the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank (FMO), and the German development finance institution (DEG) committed €84 million to fund the initiative. Total project investment has since reached approximately €105 million. Engineering, procurement, and construction are being carried out by the Voltalia–Entech consortium, both of which are globally recognized for their work in the clean energy sector.

In addition to its energy goals, the NEA Kolda project incorporates a strong community development focus. AXIAN Energy has committed nearly 2 billion FCFA toward a comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) action plan. The program is structured around five key pillars: access to healthcare, education and social development, economic empowerment, promotion of sports and culture, and climate change adaptation.

Key social initiatives underway include:

Economic Empowerment: Financial literacy workshops are being conducted, targeting women and youth to improve financial management and entrepreneurship skills.

Sustainable Agriculture: Farmers are receiving training in sustainable practices, along with seed distribution to enhance food security and improve crop yields.

Livestock Development: Infrastructure such as a vaccination park, veterinary service points, and watering stations are being established to boost animal health and farming productivity.

Healthcare Access: Plans are in place for a new maternity center aimed at improving maternal and newborn care in the region.

Sports Development: AXIAN will build sports facilities to foster values such as teamwork, perseverance, and community solidarity.

The construction phase is expected to employ around 400 local workers, with additional opportunities anticipated during the plant’s operational phase. The project is set to play a vital role in inclusive economic growth and environmental resilience in the Casamance region.

AXIAN Energy stated that the NEA Kolda plant is more than an energy project—it is a catalyst for long-term regional transformation aligned with Africa’s broader clean energy and development objectives.