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Mali's Transitional Leader Goita Inaugurates Construction of 100 MW Solar Power Plant

Last week, Mali and Russia launched a joint project to build West Africa's largest solar power plant in Sanankoroba, near Bamako. The 200-megawatt plant, which will cover an area of 314 hectares and cost about $217 million, will be led by Russia's NovaWind. When completed, the plant is expected to increase Mali's electricity production by 10%.
Sputnik
Following last Friday's inauguration of a first solar power plant in Sanankoroba, the largest in West Africa, with the help of Russia, Mali's Safo region is now hosting the inauguration of a second 100 megawatt peak solar power plant in partnership with China.
Tuesday's ceremony was attended by Mali's Prime Minister, Minister of Energy and Water and other officials, as well as China's Ambassador to Mali, Chen Zhihong.
Bintou Camara, Minister of Energy and Water, praised the dynamic cooperation between Mali and China, as exemplified by this 100 MWp solar power plant project, which includes a 228-hectare solar field, a solar energy storage system and various other energy infrastructures.
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Colonel Goita said the launch of the Safo solar power plant is part of a national effort to develop energy infrastructure. He highlighted the plant's impact on employment and improved power supply.
He praised the exemplary cooperation with China based on the principles of non-interference and respect for sovereignty.
For his part, Ambassador Zhihong congratulated the inauguration of the construction of the Safo solar power plant and stressed the importance of this project in addressing Mali's energy crisis.