The primary function of the energy storage system will be to guarantee power and smooth the capacity of the inherently intermittent solar plant's output to ensure a predictable and reliable supply to the local grid. The fully integrated Li-ion energy storage system will comprise six Saft Intensium Max High Energy containers, providing a total energy storage capacity of 13.8 MWh (megawatt-hours), along with power conversion systems and medium-voltage power plants.

“As the main contractor for the Boundiali project, it was vital to find a partner who could not only meet the technical requirements but also ensure the system would operate reliably for a 10-year lifespan,” says Ludovic Bavière of Eiffage Energie Systèmes. “The quality of our discussions and our previous experience have confirmed Saft’s ability to deliver this strategic project for our client, CI-Energies.”

Ivory Coast had an installed electricity generation capacity of 2,229 MW in 2019 and expects to double its output by 2030. Currently, electricity supply comes largely from thermal power and hydroelectric dams. The government aims to make the country the energy hub of West Africa by 2030 with an energy mix of 42% renewable energy.

Boundiali, a town of around 40,000 inhabitants in northern Ivory Coast, will soon be home to the country's first solar power plant. It will produce clean electricity for approximately 30,000 homes, prevent the emission of 27,000 tons of CO2, and help create 300 jobs in the region.
The area is classified as a semi-arid zone with a hot and very dry climate. In addition to ensuring reliability and a long lifespan in ambient temperatures that can reach 37°C, the battery containers are designed to withstand hot, dusty winds.

The energy storage system will rapidly charge or discharge its Li-ion batteries to accommodate the intermittent output of the solar power plant. It will then provide a smooth generation profile, equivalent to the plant's average output over 30 minutes, which can be easily accepted by the local grid. This ensures the most efficient use of valuable decarbonized electricity. CI Energies is also planning to test the storage system with other grid support options, such as ramp rate control, frequency support, reactive power support, and auto-start. This will provide valuable data on battery aging under different service stacking scenarios.
Saft 's energy storage system is scheduled for commissioning in Boundiali in September 2022.