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Malicounda Solar Power Plant
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The Malicounda Solar Plant, located near the coastal resort of Mbour, was inaugurated in 2016 as Senegal's second major photovoltaic facility. The plant has a capacity of 22 megawatts (MW) and was developed through a public-private partnership. Covering approximately 30 hectares, tens of thousands of solar modules convert sunlight into electricity, which is fed directly into the national grid. A distinctive feature of this project is the inclusion of the local community, which holds an equity stake in the operating company. Malicounda plays a significant role in reducing energy costs in Senegal and enhancing power reliability in the Petite Côte region. The facility offsets more than 9,000 tons of CO2 annually and supports Senegal's ambitious renewable energy targets.
- Location: Senegal
- Top sights: Madinatou salam · Rond point Saly
- Nearby: Mbour (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 5 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 21 | 90 | 202 | 171 | 49 | 4 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Malicounda Solar Power Plant represents a major, progressive milestone in Senegal's crucial transition towards renewable energy generation, substantially boosting the regional electrical grid. This modern facility stands as a shining symbol of sustainable infrastructure development in West Africa.
Visiting
Access to the sensitive technical inner workings of the active power plant is strictly restricted to authorized operational personnel for obvious safety and vital security reasons. However, the vast expanse of gleaming solar panels is often clearly visible from the surrounding public access roads.
Where to view it
The best general view is typically gained by slowly driving along the adjacent rural highways, where you can properly appreciate the immense geometric scale of the modern photovoltaic array. The stark contrast between the high-tech installation and the dusty surrounding landscape is quite striking.
Local products
As this is a strictly enclosed, specialized industrial facility, there are no commercial tourist shops, local markets, or typical visitor amenities located directly at the solar plant itself. Travelers should sensibly purchase any necessary cold drinks or local snacks in nearby villages beforehand.
Active season
The high-tech facility is consistently actively generating power year-round during all daylight hours, functioning completely silently under the intense West African sun. The visual impact of the sprawling panels is particularly strong during the bright, unclouded midday hours when sunlight peaks.
Nearby
Passing by this modern solar installation fits nicely into a broader coastal road trip towards the highly popular tourist resort areas around Saly or Somone. It provides visitors a fleeting but fascinating glimpse into Senegal's rapidly modernizing national infrastructure along the primary route.
Geography
Facts
- The solar facility was commissioned in November 2016
- The plant has a total power output of 22 megawatts (MW)
- Construction costs were approximately 35 million euros
- Features 86,000 solar panels over an area of 30 hectares
- Offsets approximately 9,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually
- First project to offer a 5% equity share to the local community
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Malicounda Solar Power Plant (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Malicounda solar plant?
A modern power plant that feeds in clean solar energy to meet local energy demands.
Can one see the facility from the outside?
Yes, the large panel fields are often visible from the road, but there is no access.
Why is Malicounda important for the region?
It reduces reliance on fossil fuels and stabilizes the power grid.
When is the best time to explore the area?
The period from October to April is best as it is less hot during these months.
Are there sights near Malicounda?
You are near coastal resort areas here like Saly, known for beaches and markets.
Malicounda Solar Power Plant: where is it located?
Malicounda Solar Power Plant is located in Senegal.
Malicounda Solar Power Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Madinatou salam, Rond point Saly.
Malicounda Solar Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Malicounda Solar Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Malicounda Solar Plant, located near the coastal resort of Mbour, was inaugurated in 2016 as Senegal's second major photovoltaic facility.
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