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Santhiou Mékhé Solar Plant
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The Santhiou Mékhé Solar Plant, located in the municipality of Méouane within the Thiès region, is one of the largest photovoltaic installations in West Africa. Officially inaugurated in June 2017, the plant possesses an installed capacity of 30 megawatts, playing a crucial role in diversifying Senegal's energy portfolio. Spread across an area of approximately 60 hectares, the facility features around 92,000 solar panels that generate an annual output of about 52 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity. This project is a key component of the national strategy to promote renewable energy and decrease reliance on imported fossil fuels. The development was funded through a public-private partnership involving the Senegalese state and international investors. Beyond electricity generation, the plant has fostered local economic growth by providing employment and enhancing infrastructure in the surrounding rural landscape.
- Location: Senegal
- Nearby: Lompoul Desert (44 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 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 2 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 33 | 126 | 207 | 159 | 37 | 7 | 0 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Santhiou Mékhé Solar Plant is a large photovoltaic park in the Thiès region of Senegal. It supplies renewable energy to the national grid, supporting regional industrial development.
Visiting
The solar field is a fenced industrial site, not open to the public. From surrounding roads, the endless rows of solar panels are clearly visible.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is a slight rise along National Road N2 near the village of Santhiou Mékhé. From there, a wide view of the entire solar farm is visible.
Local products
In the Thiès region, agricultural products like peanuts, millet, and vegetables are grown. Local markets also offer solar panels and related accessories.
Active season
Electricity production is highest between January and May due to strong solar irradiation. During less cloudy months, the plant covers much of the regional daily demand.
Nearby
Combine the visit with a trip to the city of Thiès, known for its railway history and markets. The coastal town of Mbour, with its beaches, is about an hour away.
Geography
Facts
- The plant has a total installed capacity of 30 MW.
- A total of 92,000 photovoltaic panels were used in construction.
- The facility was officially commissioned in June 2017.
- Annual power generation is approximately 52 GWh.
- The solar farm covers an area of 60 hectares.
- The project avoids approximately 34,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
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Notable places around
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Santhiou Mékhé solar plant?
An important plant for generating renewable energy using photovoltaics.
Can one visit the solar plant?
No, it is a fenced-off industrial site with no tourist infrastructure.
Why is this location good for solar energy?
The sunny climate ensures efficient use of the installed capacities.
What is the best part of the region?
The rural calm and the vastness of the landscape are typical for this area.
What should one bring on an excursion?
Sufficient drinking water, sun protection, and good planning for the journey are essential.
Santhiou Mékhé Solar Plant: where is it located?
Santhiou Mékhé Solar Plant is located in Senegal.
Santhiou Mékhé Solar Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Santhiou Mékhé Solar Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Santhiou Mékhé Solar Plant, located in the municipality of Méouane within the Thiès region, is one of the largest photovoltaic installations in West Africa.
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Nearby cities
Thiès
An important transport hub and industrial center known for its tapestry production and historic railway lines.
Mbour
A bustling fishing port on the Petite Côte, famous for its vibrant daily fish market and authentic local atmosphere.
Saly
Senegal's premier seaside resort on the Petite Côte, known for palm-lined beaches and luxury resorts.
Lompoul Desert
A captivating area of high, orange sand dunes offering an authentic desert experience in the heart of Senegal.
History & landmarks
Great Mosque of Tivaouane
The most important religious center of the Tijaniyyah order in Senegal, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually at the Maouloud festival.
Bandia Reserve
A privately owned nature reserve offering an exciting safari experience with many of Africa's iconic large animals.
Keur Moussa Abbey
A Benedictine monastery in the Thiès region, famous for its spiritual chants blending African instruments with Gregorian chant.
Basilica of Popenguine
An important Catholic sanctuary in Popenguine, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across the country each year.
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Darou Khoudoss Phosphate Plant
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Peanut Basin
The heart of Senegalese peanut cultivation.
Mboro Phosphate Mine
An important mining area for calcium phosphates, contributing to Senegalese fertilizer production.
Taiba Ndiaye Wind Farm
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Tobène Power Plant
An independent power project that uses heavy fuel oil to stabilize the Senegalese electricity grid.
Thiès poultry farm
A significant poultry farm that provides fresh eggs for the region.
Thiès Forest
A protected forest area in the Thiès region.