(3 Minutes Read)
AXIAN Energy has officially launched construction of the NEA Kolda solar power plant, a transformative renewable energy project in the Tankanto Escale commune, located approximately 700 kilometres from Dakar. A ceremonial groundbreaking marked the occasion, attended by regional leaders and local community members, who stand to be the chief beneficiaries of the development.
The NEA Kolda project represents a landmark in Senegal’s national strategy to shift toward sustainable energy, to generate 40% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Designed to produce 60 megawatts (MW) of clean solar power, the facility will also incorporate a state-of-the-art battery energy storage system (BESS) with a storage capacity of 72 megawatt-hours (MWh). This cutting-edge integration positions the plant as a model for future energy infrastructure in West Africa.
Once operational, the plant is projected to enhance electricity access for more than 235,000 people while simultaneously bolstering the national grid, particularly during periods of peak demand. The project is a clear endorsement of the Senegalese government’s commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth, aiming to ensure energy access that is not only clean but also affordable and reliable.
NEA Kolda is being realized through robust international collaboration. In October 2024, the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), the Dutch development bank FMO, and German development financier DEG pledged €84 million (approximately USD 92 million) toward the initiative. This financing brings the total investment to roughly €105 million (about USD 114 million).
The Voltalia–Entech consortium, both leaders in renewable energy engineering, has been entrusted with the design and construction of the facility. Their combined expertise ensures the delivery of a high-quality, resilient energy project aligned with African and global decarbonization goals.
AXIAN Energy views human development as central to its mission. In alignment with this principle, NEA Kolda is not only an energy project but a catalyst for social and economic transformation in the Casamance region. The company has embedded a wide-reaching corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, backed by an investment of nearly 2 billion CFA francs (approximately USD 3.3 million).
This initiative addresses key development areas such as healthcare access, education, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and climate resilience. AXIAN Energy has already rolled out financial literacy workshops, with a particular emphasis on empowering women and youth. These programs aim to promote financial independence, business creation, and long-term economic stability.
In parallel, the project is advancing local food security. Through sustainable farming training and seed distribution, AXIAN Energy is helping farmers adopt environmentally friendly practices that improve yields, safeguard natural resources, and increase household incomes—laying the groundwork for a resilient rural economy.
The NEA Kolda plant is also poised to become a significant source of employment in the region. Approximately 400 local workers are expected to be hired throughout the construction and operational phases, ensuring that the economic benefits of the project extend deep into the local community.
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With NEA Kolda, AXIAN Energy is not only delivering critical infrastructure but also setting a benchmark for sustainable, inclusive energy development across Africa. The project exemplifies how clean energy investments can drive widespread impact—powering homes, creating jobs, protecting the environment, and uplifting communities.
As the solar panels rise in Kolda, so too does a new chapter for Senegal—one defined by energy sovereignty, climate resilience, and human potential.
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