German clean energy company, GRIPS Energy, and its subsidiary GRIPS Energy Sénégal SUARL have successfully commissioned their first solar photovoltaic plant in Senegal. The ground-mounted PV system is the result of a partnership between GRIPS Energy and the Senegale agricultural company Société des Cultures Légumières (SCL) and supports their aim of lowering electricity costs and reducing carbon emissions.
The 604 KWp solar power facility is installed in an agricultural farm owned by the SCL, located in Diama in the Saint-Louis region. GRIPS Energy was in charge of the entire project development process, including the initial feasibility study, plant design, and its installation. The German company will continue to ensure the performance and routine maintenance of the solar plant through its local partner.
Hamedine Ba, SCL’s technical officer for the solar PV system at the farm expressed his satisfaction with the smooth implementation of the project and the noticeable decrease in the electricity bill. According to him, the PV system is the first step towards their transition to renewable energy with the help of the international partner and the farm is planning to expand the plant with a battery energy storage system.
Amadou Sam, the Director of GRIPS Energy Senegal, highlighted the success of their collaboration with SCL and their Senegalese installation partner, working closely with engineering experts from the German head office. The ground-mounted PV system marks an important milestone in their project portfolio. Sam also assured GRIPS’s long-term partnership with SCL, promising continuous performance and service for the solar plant throughout its lifespan.
Timon Herzog, the Managing Director of GRIPS Energy, expressed his satisfaction with expanding their business activities in West African countries, specifically in Senegal with this solar project. The company specializes in supporting the commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors of African countries in their transition to affordable renewable energy sources. Herzog also commended SCL’s effort for their sustainable farming practices in the Sahel region using solar power.
