• €105M NEA Kolda project includes 60 MW solar capacity and 72 MWh storage
• Backed by €84M in loans from EAAIF, FMO, and DEG
• Supports Senegal’s target of 40% renewable energy capacity by 2030

AXIAN Energy has launched construction of one of West Africa’s largest solar power plants with battery storage, supporting Senegal’s target of 40% installed renewable energy capacity by 2030.

On May 22, AXIAN Energy announced the start of work on the NEA Kolda solar project, located in the Kolda region of southern Senegal. The plant will feature 60 MW of photovoltaic capacity combined with a 72 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).

Designed as a high-impact energy project, NEA Kolda is expected to supply clean electricity to over 25,000 households—equivalent to around 235,000 people. AXIAN Energy has positioned the plant as part of its inclusive energy transition strategy, prioritizing benefits for local communities.

The project is financed with over €105 million in total funding, including an €84 million loan package from the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), the Dutch development bank FMO, and Germany’s DEG. AXIAN first presented the plant in November 2024 as the largest solar complex with storage in West Africa.

The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract was awarded in April 2025 to Voltalia and Entech Smart Energies.

NEA Kolda will support Senegal’s broader energy strategy, which includes achieving 100% electrification, up from the current national rate of 84%.