With roughly half of the total population living above the poverty line, significant improvements are needed to lift more people out of poverty. Roughly 75% of the Senegalese population depends on agriculture as their income source. Anotherprimary industry in Senegalis mining. Senegal's economy rises. Access to electricity plays an important role in the economy and contributes to reducing poverty. Senegal relies heavily on oil imports for fuel. The solar power plants are located in Kael and Kahone, two small towns that rely on agriculture and have high poverty rates. Lack of electricity access. These renewable energy projects attract potential investors to Senegal, giving the country even more opportunities to increase sustainable energy, including hydro, wind, thermal and.
How many people in Senegal will get solar power?
Nearly 540,000 people in Senegal will get access to clean and affordable power following the launch of two solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, financed by IFC, the European Investment Bank and Proparco, under the World Bank Group's Scaling Solar program.
How many jobs will the new solar power plants create in Senegal?
The addition of the solar power plants form part of the World Bank Group's Scaling Solar program and are funded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), European Investment Bank and Proparco. The project estimates that more than 400 jobs in the towns benefit from the existence of the new solar power plants in Senegal.
How can solar power plants benefit Senegal?
The project estimates that more than 400 jobs in the towns benefit from the existence of the new solar power plants in Senegal. Because Senegal mainly relies on imported oil for electricity, solar power plants offer a more reliable and sustainable green energy source that costs less.
Who sponsors Senegal's solar power plants?
The PV plants, located in Western Senegal, are sponsored by Engie, Meridiam, and the Senegalese Sovereign Wealth Fund for Strategic Investments ( FONSIS ). The competitive tendering process was led by Senegal's Energy Regulatory Commission ( CRSE ). For more information, please read the press release here.
Can Senegal develop 60 megawatts of solar power?
The government of Senegal has been working with the World Bank Group to develop 60 megawatts of solar power through Scaling Solar. According to World Bank data, over 70% of the population of Senegal currently has access to electricity.
Which countries have scaled solar-backed PV projects?
Senegal is the second country to bring Scaling Solar-backed PV projects to the operational stage. In March 2019, the first solar plant financed and tendered under the Scaling Solar program was inaugurated in Zambia.