Background
Senegal has many small coastal communities like Kaffountine and Diémbéring in the Lower Casamance region that depend heavily on artisanal fishing, agriculture, and ecotourism. These areas are rich in natural resources such as fertile land, biodiversity, and abundant fish stocks, but face significant development challenges due to geographic isolation and limited energy infrastructure. Energy access is primarily based on traditional biomass, diesel generators, and increasingly, solar energy systems supported by NGOs and international initiatives.
Climate change has intensified existing pressures on these coastal communities, leading to coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, freshwater scarcity, and the degradation of livelihoods. The growing demand for energy, particularly for water management and food preservation, is unmet by current systems, which rely heavily on expensive and polluting fossil fuels. Floating solar photovoltaic systems offer a promising, sustainable alternative by utilizing water surfaces for clean energy production without competing with agricultural land. They also reduce water evaporation and greenhouse gas emissions, presenting a viable solution to enhance local resilience, especially for vulnerable groups like women engaged in fish processing.
CTCN Support
This technical assistance aimed at promoting floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) systems in the coastal communities of Kaffountine and Diémbéring. This will include the preparation of a feasibility study for a decentralized FPV installation of 0.25 to 1 MW, with a particular focus on meeting the energy needs of women-led fish processing cooperatives. The study will assess site suitability (including limited metoceanic analysis), identify appropriate technological designs (floating platforms, mooring, electrical systems), and evaluate options for grid interconnection and local energy storage. In addition, the CTCN will provide capacity-building support to enhance the institutional and human capabilities required for the deployment of climate technologies. This will include strengthening the technical knowledge of local actors on FPV systems, business model development, and climate-resilient energy planning.
Expected Outcome
The expected outcome is an actionable, community-driven feasibility plan for floating solar PV systems, enabling the transition to clean, reliable, and resilient energy solutions in Kaffountine and Diémbéring. The plan will guide the integration of FPV into local energy systems, reduce fossil fuel dependency, strengthen the cold chain for fish conservation, and empower women’s cooperatives through sustainable energy access, contributing to climate adaptation and inclusive economic development.
Seeking Experts
The CTCN invites qualified experts and firms to participate in the upcoming solicitation for the implementation of technical assistance on Floating Solar Panels in Senegal: Feasibility Study for Kaffountine & Diémbéring, small coastal towns of lower Casamance. Full details of the project and requirements will be available in the tender documents provided after the EOI process closes.
For further information on this opportunity, visit the UN Global Market Place (UNGM) or the UN website.
If you are not yet a member of the CTCN Network, you can apply to join here.
