Yingli Green Energy have just announced that they will be co-developing a 2MW solar power plant in Dakar, Senegal with Senelec (Societe Nationaled’Electricite de Senegal) the state owned utility of Senegal.

The project is expected to start construction this month and be operational by November 2014 in time for the renowned “XV Francophonie Summit” to be held at the new international conference centre ‘Diamniadio’ in Dakar (which will be powered by the power plant). Yingli will be the only supplier of solar panels for the projects. Their multicrystalline solar modules will take up 2.5 hectares and is expected to generate 3.7MWh of clean electricity each year – enough to power 1000 homes in the area.

“This project is an opportunity for Yingli Solar to integrate its technology in the west African energy market and an opportunity for Senelec to build the future of clean energy in Senegal. I hope this example of cooperation between Senelec and Yingli will be enlarged to various domains of Yingli technology. With this project, Senelec realizes the vision of the President Macky SALL, for an energy mix giving more place to clean energy,” said Mr Papa DIENG, General Manager of Senelec.

“We are pleased to realize this project together with the national utility company of Senegal. This turnkey project is a new milestone for the Company’s development in emerging markets and will enhance our position as a solar energy solutions provider throughout Africa. We are committing to promoting the development of clean energy in Africa through our expertises and high-quality products,” said Mr. Liansheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yingli Green Energy.

Yingli Green Energy Spain is providing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) for the project.