By: Renewables now

West African independent power producer Africa REN has commissioned a 16-MW solar farm with 10 MW/20 MWh of battery storage in Bokhol, northern Senegal, hailing the project as the first in the region dedicated to frequency regulation.

Dubbed Walo Storage, the EUR-40-million (USD 46.6m) solar-plus-storage plant entered commercial operation on July 14, Africa REN said on Wednesday. The project was designed to improve grid stability, deliver energy during peak demand hours and provide backup power in case of outages. Completed on time, the facility is now connected to the grid operated by national utility Senelec, the firm said.

Africa REN developed Walo Storage with financial backing from shareholders including Dutch development bank FMO and Metier Sustainable Capital International Fund II LLP. Additional debt financing was provided by FMO and the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG).

“The on-time commissioning of Walo Storage demonstrates our ability to support Senegal’s energy transition using cutting-edge technology. It is also a key milestone in our ambition to build EUR 500 million in sustainable assets by 2030,” said Gilles Parmentier, CEO of Africa REN.

Senelec CEO Papa Toby Gaye said the facility would play a vital role in ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply, while contributing to the diversification of Senegal’s energy mix.