The Battery Energy Storage and Renewable Energy Programme’s goal is to install both stand-alone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and BESS coupled with renewable energy. These systems can fulfil several different functions in the Senegalese grid including the regulation of the grid, correction of weather forecasting, and load shifting.

Senegal has significant, non-dispatchable renewable energy sources connected to its grid, causing difficulties to balance the grid appropriately. For example, the installed capacity of renewable energy made up 28% of the total grid capacity but only contributed 21% of the overall electricity generation in 2021. This shows that current renewable energy sources are not used to their full potential due to their non-dispatchable nature. To cope with this high share of renewables, spinning reserves are used that can make up for any potential shortfalls in electricity production. Currently, these spinning reserves consist mainly of fossil fuel-based energy sources such as gas and heavy fuel oil. As more renewable energy production is added, additional fossil fuel-based spinning reserves would have to be added to ensure a smooth functioning of the grid. The BESS prevent such fossil fuel-based spinning reserves from being installed, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Being among the first BESS activities in Africa, the mitigation activity will support the Plan for an Emerging Senegal, by boosting economic development and providing access to affordable and renewable energy sources. While Senegal’s NDC does not contain any targets with regard to BESS, it sets unconditional and conditional targets for the achievement of installed renewable energy capacity. However, a further expansion of renewables can only occur if the grid is stable enough to offtake the produced electricity. BESS are thus needed to facilitate the further growth of renewables in Senegal.