Context and challenges

The programme was launched in response to the energy situation in the Saint-Louis region of Senegal.

Energy is in fact a problem acutely felt in this predominantly agro-pastoral zone: only 13% of rural areas have access to electricity, as against 29% nationally. Apart from the question of access, the quality of the electricity service varies from area to area and causes difficulties, not only for households but also economic operators and the individual and industrial processing units for agro-pastoral products.

Nevertheless, the region has significant energy potential, as yet under-exploited, whether solar, wind or biomass from agricultural residues and animal waste.

Charcoal use is still widespread (+1.2% compared with the national average) despite strong signs of degradation of this resource in the area. Fossil, i.e. non-renewable, fuels still account for 85% of household domestic energy consumption.

Objectives and solutions

The first phase of the programme pursues three core objectives:

1. Putting in place favourable institutional conditions for effective promotion by local operators of renewable energy sources appropriate to the needs and potential of the region’s territory.

2. Strengthening and supporting the emergence of provision from efficient, competitive local social and inclusive enterprises, offering biogas and solar solutions suitable for the local customer base.

3. Boosting the dissemination of renewable energy at regional level amongst economic operators and households in isolated areas.

The programme intends to produce an energy atlas of the Saint-Louis region and establish energy platforms designed to demonstrate the potential of renewable energy sources for productive and domestic uses.

Partners

• Partenariat (Saint-Louis)

• Saint-Louis Regional Development Agency