Senelec signs pact with Infinity Power for 40MW/ 160MWh BESS in Senegal

Senegal's national power utility firm Senelec has recently signed a 20-year capacity change agreement (CCA) for a 40MW/ 160MWh (4-hour) battery energy storage system (BESS) project with clean energy developer Infinity Power. 

The BESS will be installed at at the Tobène substation in city of Thies, and will be operated alongside Infinity Power's Parc Eolien Taiba N'Diaye (PETN) 158.7MW wind farm. Construction is scheduled to start next year, while the system is expected to come online by 2025. 

The battery system is expected to provide ancillary services in power transmission and reduce the local grid's dependence on thermal power plants. According to news reports, Senelec is said to have estimated that the BESS will save the grid US$165 million over its operating lifetime. 

"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", said Papa Mademba Biteye, General Manager - Senelec, as quoted by Energy-Storage.news

"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", he added.

The system will ensure that the power grid harnesses all available wind energy and provides ancillary services like frequency regulation, reactive power support, and energy charge and discharge, claims Infinity Power.

It is to be noted that Infinity Power is joint venture between Egyptian energy firm Infinity and UAE-based Masdar Group. The company has already has a dedicated office at Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. The country is already emerging as one of the early pioneers of energy storage deployment in the West African region.

Last month, the West African Development Bank (BOAD) approved $24 million loan for a 15MW/ 45MWh BESS at the Niakhar Solar Power project in the city of Niakhar. Senegal's first-ever BESS project was announced earlier in June this year - a 10MW/ 20MWh battery storage at a 16 MW solar farm developed by Africa REN.