Africa REN has commissioned a 16 MWp solar power plant integrated with a 10 MW / 20 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Bokhol, northern Senegal, marking a major milestone in the country’s renewable energy and grid stabilization efforts. The €40 million project, named Walo Storage, is the first grid-connected solar-plus-storage facility in West Africa dedicated to frequency regulation.
The plant entered commercial operations in July 2025 and was formally inaugurated on January 22, 2026, in the presence of government officials, power sector stakeholders, and representatives from Senegal’s national utility Senelec. The project is designed to provide real-time frequency regulation, grid balancing, and enhanced renewable energy integration, supporting Senegal’s transition to a more resilient and low-carbon power system.
By combining large-scale solar generation with advanced battery storage, the Walo Storage facility improves grid reliability, mitigates intermittency challenges, and reduces dependence on fossil fuel-based power generation during peak demand periods. The installation enables higher penetration of solar energy while ensuring consistent electricity supply across the region.
The project was financed through equity investments from Africa REN shareholders, along with debt funding from the Dutch development finance institution FMO and the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), a fund under the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG).
Commenting on the commissioning, Gilles Parmentier, Chief Executive Officer of Africa REN, said the Walo Storage project represents a key step in the company’s strategy to develop €500 million worth of sustainable energy assets by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to delivering innovative infrastructure solutions that support Africa’s clean energy transition.
The project aligns with Senegal’s National Energy Pact, which aims to achieve universal access to electricity by 2029 and increase the share of renewable energy to 40% of the national generation mix by 2030. The plant is expected to play a critical role in enhancing energy security, grid resilience, and sustainable development across Senegal and the wider West African region.
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