The project envisages the development of a scalable, multi-site, multi-phase regional solar power park in Mali of about 150 MW. The strategy adopted for implementing the project shall be the “Plug-and-Play” scheme where the enabling infrastructure to evacuate the power from the Park shall be implemented with concessional or public financing whilst the development of the Parks shall be done by the private sector through auctions. The project also envisages reinforcements in Mali that shall, among others, increase the capacity of the national grid to absorb renewable energy.

The project is being developed within the framework of the World Bank's Solar Development in Sub-Saharan Africa - Phase 1 (Sahel) Program. The preparation of the project is almost completed and as part of this preparation, three consultants were recruited to respectively prepare (i) the technical, economic and financial feasibility studies, (ii) the environmental and social impact assessment as well as geotechnical studies and (iii) organize the auction. The pre-investment studies are in progress and expected to be completed in Quarter 4 of 2021. The commissioning of the project is expected in 2024.

Approval on May 10, 2021 by the “Direction Nationale de l’Assainissement et du Contrôle des Pollutions et des Nuisances” (national agency in charge of environmental protection) of the Terms of Reference for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.