Mali s policy of combining photovoltaic power generation with energy storage

How will Mali diversify its energy sources?

Mali is pursuing its ambition to diversify its energy sources by turning to solar power. On May 28, 2024, the President of the Transition, Assimi Goïta, inaugurated the Safo solar power plant in the Koulikoro region. The 100MWp plant will be built on a 228-hectare site and equipped with monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic panels.

Will Mali achieve a 15% solar penetration rate by 2030?

Hamathe Mane, Principal Renewable Energy Officer at the African Development Bank, explains, “in the renewable energy sector in Mali, we currently have a penetration rate covering 3% of the demand, which is relatively low. Through this Plan, we aim to achieve a solar penetration rate of 15% by 2030.

Why is Mali building a 100 MWp solar power plant in Safo?

The Malian government has launched the construction of a 100 MWp solar power plant in Safo, in partnership with China, to address electricity shortages. Mali is pursuing its ambition to diversify its energy sources by turning to solar power.

Will Mali get a large solar power plant?

As far as the energy transition is concerned, UEMOA has carried out an installation study for large solar power plants, identifying five sites - which include Mali - for a total capacity of 574 megawatts (MW), to be commissioned by 2030.

How long does a solar power project last in Mali?

This project has an estimated lifespan of 25 years. / Mali is a landlocked country in the Sahel belt of West Africa where 80% of the population in the rural areas do not have access to electricity, while those with access are getting most of the electricity from diesel generators.

Is Mali ready to scale up renewables?

The Ministry, working through the Mali Renewable Energy Agency (AER-Mali), has initiated a partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to assess Mali’s readiness to scale up renewables.