Danish wind turbine-maker Vestas has secured an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for a 159MW wind project in Senegal.

Vestas

Image: Vestas secures wind farm order in Senegal. Photo: Courtesy of Albert Lazcano/FreeImages.com.

The project, which is Senegal’s first large utitilty-scale wind project, is expected to significantly to the country’s 15% of renewable energy and will diversify its energy mix.

The EPC contract was signed with Parc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye. The company’s majority stake is owned by Lekela, a renewable energy company that claims to have developed 1.3GW in solar and wind projects in Africa.

As part of the order, Vestas will supply, transport, install and commission 46 of its V126-3.45MW turbines. It will also provide an Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement for the operation and maintenance of the wind park over the next 20 years.

Vestas Sales Region Western Mediterranean vice president Nicolas Wolff said: “This is a very special order for us, since together with Lekela, we are delivering a project that will represent 20 percent of the country’s energy mix and have a positive impact on Senegalese communities, providing opportunities for local employment while responding to the country’s energy challenges.

“With this project, we will contribute to Senegal in the same way through sharing our extensive knowledge and deep experience of supporting wind energy projects in emerging markets.”

EKF Denmark’s Export Credit has agreed to provide €140m export loan for the project, helping in securing the project’s financial stability.

Lekela chief operating officer Chris Ford said: “This is a major milestone for Senegal, and for Lekela. As the first utility-scale wind power project in the country, Taiba N’Diaye forms a critical component of Senegal’s clean energy strategy. The project will create an impact that lasts for generations.

“We have many people to thank in reaching this point, not least the communities, stakeholders and partners like Vestas who we’ve worked closely with in recent months.”