German system integrator and Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) member, Asantys System GmBH, has initiated the deployment of a series of mini-grid projects in Senegal. The mini-grid projects are being developed under the Senegalese Rural Electrification Agency’s (ASER) nationwide electrification project, ASER 300.
The solar mini-grid project was launched with the objective of supporting electrification in 300 rural areas of the country via solar mini-grids, which include photovoltaic modules, batteries, inverters, and cooling systems. ASER has signed an agreement with the German-based project management company Gauff Engineering for the implementation of the project by the end of 2024.
Asantys System is developing and building solar mini-grids with the support of Gauff Engineering. The mini-grids will have capacities ranging between 15 kW to 190 kW and all will be equipped with battery storage. The companies will power 24,000 households with electricity, equipping each with five sockets and live LEDs.
To support the ASER 300 project, KfW IPEX-Bank, a subsidiary of German Development Bank kfW, has already provided the financing of €130 million ($138.8 million). The project also includes the construction of 840 km of low-voltage lines, 25,000 electric poles, and 3,600 LED street lights, to improve public lighting in Senegal.
According to Gauff, the government of this West African nation, through its agency ASER, will oversee the construction of the necessary infrastructure in villages. After completion, the private operators, who are already under contractual obligations, will be responsible for operating and maintaining the mini-grid systems.
Tariffs for the electricity provided by the mini-grids will be regulated and defined in the operator contracts. Senegal’s public utility Senelec will serve as a guideline for determining the tariffs and proceed with a structured approach, ensuring affordable and accessible electricity for the rural population.
By early 2021, Asantys Systems had already supplied six pilot villages, demonstrating swift progress in the implementation of the solar mini-grid project, following their initial contract for 120 villages secured in December 2020. In April 2023, Gauff led the deployment of mini-grids in 60 rural areas in the Kolda region.
