Description
Project Name : Merina
Project owner : Meridiam
Standard: Gold Standard
Project ID: 5228
This is the second largest operational Solar PV plant to date in West Africa, connected to the national grid. Supplying more than 50,000 people with green electricity. The plant helps to reduce the country dependence on fossil fuel and contributes to saving governmental energy spending.
These solar panels will cover the electricity needs of an equivalent of 225,000 people at a more competitive price than fossil fuel energy. This plant confirms the dynamic of diversification of the Senegalese energy mix, which until then had remained largely dependent on fossil fuels (90% of the mix).
Meridiam was founded in 2005. The firm is specialized in developing, financing and managing long-term public infrastructure projects. All of their projects share the same mission : delivering sustainable and resilient infrastructure that improves people’s quality of life over the long term. Their projects contribute concretely to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in particular : combating climate change, building resilient infrastructure and ensuring access to clean and affordable energy for all.
Impact
Senelec (national electricity company) buys kWh of thermal power plants 40% more expensive than the kWh of photovoltaic plants.
The project helps to reduce the electricity bill of Senegalese households.
The plant was build through advanced technology transfer from industrialized countries.
This project will strengthen the attractiveness of Senegal in the photovoltaic sector and contribute to the installation of a new source of employment.
Meridiam used the local workforce to build the plant.
The project hired 100 local for the construction phase and relies on 10 permanent technicians to ensure operation and maintenance.
Around 80% of Senegal’s energy production comes from fossil fuels.
The project helps to reduce the gap between fossil fuels and renewable energy.
CSR Action
Meridiam has put in place a new drilling system to improve the productivity of local agriculture, and has helped the development of agricultural plots.
Meridiam has electrified the village of Mbouky, and constructed a farmer market.
Meridiam supports the establishment of a savings and credit mutual for women.
