Mali’s Path To Clean Energy: Identifying Top Sites For Solar And Wind Projects With 400 GW Potential

A recent report by IRENA provides insights into Mali’s potential for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and onshore wind projects. The analysis identifies zones in Mali that are highly suitable for investing in these renewable energy sources, focusing on both technical and economic factors. The study aims to offer valuable spatial information about Mali’s renewable energy potential, guide national infrastructure planning across electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, and support high-level policy models to ensure universal electricity access and address climate change.

The research, conducted with the help of Mali’s Renewable Energy Agency (AER-Mali), uses high-quality resource and weather data, including annual averages and hourly observations. It also considers local factors like population density, protected areas, topography, land use, power transmission networks, road networks, and associated costs. This detailed approach helps identify the most promising areas for solar PV and wind development, aligning with Mali’s renewable energy strategy.

The findings reveal that a substantial part of Mali’s land is suitable for solar PV and wind energy projects. Specifically, the study estimates that Mali could potentially develop up to approximately 398.7 gigawatts (GW) of solar PV and 1.25 GW of onshore wind energy. These estimates take into account land-use limitations, with 50 megawatts per square kilometer for solar PV and 5 megawatts per square kilometer for wind energy. The study suggests that the most promising areas for development are near existing and planned transmission lines and roads.

The analysis highlights the potential for significant growth in Mali’s renewable energy sector. The estimated capacity of 398.7 GW for solar PV and 1.25 GW for wind projects could potentially meet the country’s renewable energy targets through 2030, which are set at 2,016 megawatts. The majority of this potential is located in the southern and southwestern parts of Mali, where it aligns with existing infrastructure.

The report also points out that while the study provides a solid foundation for identifying suitable zones, there are limitations. The accuracy of the findings depends on the assumptions used to set thresholds and the quality of the data. Non-technical issues, such as land ownership, may also affect the selection of areas for further evaluation.

To address these limitations and refine the findings, Mali could benefit from IRENA’s site assessment service. This service offers pre-feasibility assessments to evaluate the technical and financial viability of potential sites for solar PV and wind projects. It uses detailed resource data and financial models to simulate various scenarios and determine the feasibility of project development.

Overall, the report underscores Mali’s significant potential for expanding its renewable energy capacity, providing a valuable resource for future planning and investment.