ENERGY – RENEWABLE

Many countries are trying to turn to green or renewable energy, faced with dwindling number of exhaustible fossil energy sources, particularly oil and gas, the need to find alternatives to the energy deficit and will to ensure planet survival by drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These energies are reputed to be the most sustainable and viable in order to effectively combat the recurring energy problems which most of countries of Africa, especially Senegal are facing.

Senegal is resolutely committed to diversifying energy sources by investing in renewable energies so as to reduce its heavy dependence on petroleum products with a rising bill (CFAF 591.2 billion in 2017 and CFAF 805.4 billion in 2018) and reduce its contribution to energy production. This commitment is reaffirmed by Plan Sénégal Emergent, the main reference document of economic and social policy which has been translated in Letter of Development Policy of Energy Sector (LPDSE 2019-2023) to ensure wide and reliable access to quality and cheap energy.

Development of renewable energies in Senegal aims to contribute to satisfaction of national energy needs (electricity production, transport, heating, etc.), hitherto provided by fossil fuels, using renewable energy resources as much as possible. The development of renewable energy contributes to a better protection of the environment and to the mitigation of the risks of conflicts between States because fossil fuels can be sources of tension.

Senegal has a rich energy potential available across the national territory. Whether it’s solar, wind, hydro, biomass, or even geothermal, the country has significant assets that are being developed or will be developed. With the rise of renewable energies, Senegal is positioning itself as a provider of modern, affordable, sustainable and more environmentally friendly energy services.

Access to sufficient, quality and accessible energy remains a fundamental condition for achieving an emergence that guarantees the improvement of people’s well-being, a reduction of poverty and a strengthening of energy security. This should also allow the development of industrial sectors through involvement of private promoters but also contribute to the creation of jobs in the sector.

The development of renewable energies presents itself as a relevant alternative in the context of energy mix with a view to strengthening electrification especially in rural areas and exploiting all the local socio-economic potential. This also contributes to harmonious implementation of spatial planning at the level of various ecogeographical areas.

As such, many projects and programmes related to promotion of renewable energies have been launched mainly through National Renewable Energy Agency (ANER) and Senegalese Agency for Rural Electrification (ASER).