- Mali and Russia began constructing a 200-MW solar power plant in Sanankoroba, which will cost $200 million (EUR 184 million).
- Novawind, a division of Rosatom, will build the plant in one year using Russian equipment, featuring PV modules on trackers and a 20-MWh storage system.
- After ten years, the Malian Ministry of Energy and Water will fully control the plant.
Mali’s national broadcaster, ORTM, reported on Friday, May 24, that Russia and Mali have started building a 200-megawatt (MW) solar power plant.
Both countries are involved in the $200 million (EUR 184 million) project. Novawind, a division of Russia’s Rosatom, will construct the plant.
The plant in Sanankoroba in southern Mali’s Koulikoro region will enhance the country’s electricity supply. Novawind’s general director, Gregory Nazarov, stated that the project will be finished using only Russian equipment in one year.
The plant will use photovoltaic (PV) modules on tracker systems and a 20-megawatt-hour (MWh) energy storage system. After ten years, the Malian Ministry of Energy and Water will assume complete facility control.
The solar plant aims to boost Mali’s energy infrastructure significantly. This project underscores the growing cooperation between Mali and Russia in renewable energy.
Nazarov emphasised the importance of using Russian technology for the project, ensuring high standards and reliability.
The energy storage system will balance supply and demand, increasing the plant’s efficiency. The tracker systems will enable the PV modules to follow the sun, maximising energy output.
This initiative aligns with Mali’s broader efforts to expand its renewable energy capacity and follows global trends towards sustainable and clean energy solutions.
The partnership with Russia marks a significant step in Mali’s energy sector and demonstrates its commitment to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
Mali aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the national grid. Projects like this solar plant are crucial for achieving that goal.
This collaboration will bring economic and environmental benefits to Mali. The successful completion of the plant will mark a milestone in the country’s energy transition.
(USD 1 = EUR 0.921)