Juwi Renewable Energies will build a $33.2 million solar and storage facility in Senegal, featuring a 20 MW solar plant and 11 MWh of battery storage to power the Grande Côte mineral sands mine. The project will reduce the mine's carbon emissions by 25,000 tons annually and provide 20% of its energy needs.
Solar and Storage Facility: Supporting Senegal's Mining Sector
Germany-based Juwi Renewable Energies has announced plans to construct a groundbreaking solar and storage facility in Senegal. This $33.2 million project will integrate a 20 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with 11 MWh of battery storage. Designed to power Eramet’s Grande Côte mineral sands mine, it marks a significant milestone in Senegal's renewable energy journey.
The solar and storage facility is set to provide 20% of the energy required by the Grande Côte mine, located in Diogo, western Senegal. This mine — one of the world's top producers of mineral sands — extracts ilmenite, leucoxene, zircon, and rutile. Operations at the site began in 2014, employing over 2,000 people. Currently, a 36 MW heavy fuel oil power plant supports its energy needs.
By reducing reliance on heavy fuel oil, the new solar and storage system will cut carbon emissions by 25,000 tons annually. It will also improve energy reliability, ensuring greater production stability for the mine.
Juwi and Eramet’s Commitment to Sustainability
Juwi's South African office will oversee the project, which represents one of Senegal's largest off-grid hybrid renewable energy installations. The facility will align with Eramet’s global decarbonization strategy. According to Juwi, the initiative reflects their expertise in delivering innovative solar and storage solutions, especially for challenging ground conditions.
“By leveraging Juwi’s off-grid solar and storage capabilities alongside Eramet’s sustainability goals, this project sets a new benchmark for innovation in the mining sector,” said Eramet, headquartered in Paris.
The $33.2 million solar and storage facility will be funded through ZAR 600 million, showcasing the strong investment in renewable energy for industrial applications. During construction and maintenance, the project will create more than 100 jobs, further benefiting the local economy.
The environmental impact is equally significant. By integrating solar and battery technologies, the mine will drastically reduce its carbon footprint, thereby contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. The project will also serve as a model for other mining operations aiming to transition toward cleaner energy sources.
Leading Innovation in Solar and Storage Solutions
Juwi Renewable Energies has a proven track record of developing off-grid renewable energy systems. This latest venture underscores its commitment to deploying solar and storage solutions in the mining sector. By blending renewable energy with advanced battery storage, Juwi aims to deliver cost-effective and sustainable power for industrial operations.
The use of battery storage in the project is critical. The 11 MWh system will store excess solar energy generated during the day and supply power during the night or cloudy conditions. This ensures uninterrupted energy supply, addressing the mine’s 24/7 operational needs. This solar and storage facility highlights Senegal’s growing role in Africa’s renewable energy landscape. As one of the largest projects of its kind in the region, it sets a precedent for integrating renewable energy into industrial operations.
For Senegal, this project not only supports the mining sector but also aligns with the country’s broader goals of increasing renewable energy adoption. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the initiative helps drive economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Juwi Renewable Energies' 20 MW solar and storage facility marks a transformative step for Senegal and the mining industry. By combining solar power with battery storage, it delivers clean energy, cuts carbon emissions, and highlights renewable energy’s role in driving sustainable industrial development.