Mali's Energy Transition: A New 100 Megawatt Solar Power Plant to be Constructed Near Fana
Mali Moves Forward with Energy Transition: New 100MW Solar Power Plant Planned Near Fana Key Highlights: Mali is continuing its energy transition efforts, with plans to build a new 100MW solar power plant with 50MW of storage near the town of Fana. This latest project comes after the recent launch of 400MW of solar power projects in SAFO, SANANKOROBA, and TIAKADOUGOU, demonstrating Mali's commitment to diversifying its energy sources. The new solar plant will be developed in partnership with the Chinese company Sino Hydro Corporation Limited, which has extensive experience in the energy sector. The agreement for the project was signed on August 19, 2024 between the Malian Minister of Energy and Water and the representative of Sino Hydro. Mali has been facing a severe electricity supply crisis in recent months, driven by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war on global supply chains and oil prices. In response, the Malian transitional authorities have made the energy transition a strategic priority, with a goal of developing solar power plants across the country to meet growing electricity demand. The new 100MW solar plant near Fana is part of this broader effort, and represents another significant step forward in Mali's transition towards renewable energy sources.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
Bamako, Mali - August 20, 2024
As part of its ongoing energy transition, Mali is set to take another significant step forward with the construction of a new 100-megawatt solar power plant near the town of Fana. This latest development comes on the heels of the launch of solar power projects in SAFO, SANANKOROBA, and TIAKADOUGOU, which together have a capacity of 400 megawatts.
The new solar power plant, which will include 50 megawatts of energy storage, a transmission line, and associated infrastructure, is being developed in partnership with the Chinese company Sino Hydro Corporation Limited. The agreement for this important project was signed on Monday, August 19, 2024, between the Minister of Energy and Water, Ms. Bintou Camara, and the representative of the Chinese company, Zhi JIE.
Mali has been grappling with a severe electricity supply crisis in recent months, prompted by the post-COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war, which have significantly impacted the global supply chain and caused a surge in oil prices. In response, the transitional authorities in Mali have made a strategic commitment to accelerate the country's energy transition by diversifying its energy sources through the construction of solar power plants.
"This is a strong vision of the Transition President, Colonel Assimi Goïta," said Minister Bintou Camara during the signing ceremony. "Our goal is to develop solar power plants across a significant portion of the national territory to meet the growing demand for electricity."
The new 100-megawatt solar power plant, to be located approximately 110 kilometers from the Malian capital, Bamako, will be entirely constructed by Sino Hydro Corporation Limited, a company with extensive experience in the energy sector, having previously worked on projects such as the Gouina and Félou hydroelectric power plants, as well as the Safo solar power plant.
According to Zhi JIE, the representative of Sino Hydro Corporation Limited, the company is eager to begin the work immediately after the signing of the agreement. "The next steps will involve feasibility studies, site visits, and the critical task of securing financing from the Malian government for this project."
It's worth noting that just three months ago, Mali launched the construction of new solar power plants with a combined capacity of nearly 400 megawatts in SAFO, SANANKOROBA, and TIAKADOUGOU. The groundbreaking ceremony for these projects was presided over by the Transition President, Colonel Assimi Goïta, on Tuesday, May 24, 2024.
As Mali continues its determined march towards energy transition, this new 100-megawatt solar power plant near Fana represents another significant stride in the country's efforts to diversify its energy sources and meet the growing demand for electricity.
