Solar power is lighting up the heart of Senegal thanks to a project that is revolutionising the nation's energy landscape.
The cities of Kaolack and Kael have widely adopted the use of solar panels that can generate up to 44 megawatts of power to help solve energy problems in the region.
Not only does the use of the panels provide a solution to the lack of available electricity, it is also helping to drive the region towards cleaner and renewable energy sources.
“This project will directly benefit 540,000 people in Senegal,” said Jeylani Diop, chief executive of Solarsen.
The company takes the solar power that is generated and transfers it to Senelac, Senegal's primary power distributor.
The overall result is that power cuts are decreasing while the electricity supply is more abundant, promising a brighter future for Senegal's residents.
Solar plants already produce 3 per cent of Senegal's total energy consumption.
The project is part of the Scaling Solar scheme, funded by the International Finance Corporation, which aims to drive a shift towards greener, more sustainable electricity production in Senegal.
The advent of solar power has helped to make life a lot easier for people in Kaolack and Kael.
One person who has benefitted directly is Kaolack resident Oumoul Faye, who has opened a currency exchange.
“Before the power plant installation, untimely power cuts were constant,” she said.
“Now our economy thrives, as we have a reliable electricity supply.”
Kael Mayor El Hadja Ba praised the project and spoke of its success in helping to power mill machines for residents, as well as providing power to hospitals.
As solar energy illuminates Senegal, it ushers in an era of change – one that not only powers homes but also lights up lives, propelling the nation towards a brighter, more sustainable future.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
BRAZIL SQUAD
Alisson (Liverpool), Daniel Fuzato (Roma), Ederson (Man City); Alex Sandro (Juventus), Danilo (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Emerson (Real Betis), Felipe (Atletico Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Silva (PSG); Arthur (Barcelona), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Fabinho (Liverpool), Lucas Paqueta (AC Milan), Philippe Coutinho (Bayern Munich); David Neres (Ajax), Gabriel Jesus (Man City), Richarlison (Everton), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Willian (Chelsea).
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
THE SPECS
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Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
