Lekela connects 158.7 MW Parc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye wind project to the grid

Lekela's 158.7 MWParc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye (PETN) is now connected to Senegal’s national electricity grid to provide power for the first time.

Ten months after the start of construction, almost all the turbines required for the project have been erected, with the final turbines set to be constructed by the end of 2019. The substation has also been finished and energized. Once complete in 2020, the wind farm will consist of 46 Vestas wind turbines that will produce 158.7 MW, representing a 15% uplift to Senegal’s generation capacity. The project forms part of Plan Senegal Emergent, the government’s economic development accelerator programme.

Tthe project will generate electricity for Senegal over a period of 20 years. Lekela has a long-term commitment to the Taiba N’Diaye community and has developed a plan of socio-economic investments for the local people, estimated to contribute up to US$20 million over the lifetime of the wind farm. As well as creating hundreds of employment opportunities during construction, Lekela has created a programme of activities to improve education, enterprise and the environment. Already, two new marketplaces have been constructed, while a new IT centre is being built for local schoolchildren.