Overview
To tackle the low electrification rate in rural areas, the Senegalese government has initiated a programme to accelerate access to electricity. This project supports the government’s national electrification programme that aims to provide universal access to energy by 2025-2030.
Financed as part of the third funding cycle of IRENA/ADFD Project Facility launched in 2013, the project will provide electricity to 100 remote rural villages using solar PV mini-grids with battery storage devices. Critical services such as medical facilities and schools will benefit from a stable electricity supply, improving access to education, treatment of patients and enabling better sanitation.
The resulting reduction in energy costs will facilitate productive machinery, such as water pumps and grain mills, to be used without consideration of high fuel costs. Providing electricity to households will also improve indoor air quality through the replacement of traditional fuels such as wood and charcoal whilst increasing the number of productive hours for families.
