Illuminating the New Port of Ndayane: A Landmark Solar Lighting Project, Senegal

Sustaining Growth with Uninterrupted Light

Project Details

Installed Year:

2022

Location:

New Port of Ndayane, Dakar Region, Senegal (east of the capital, Dakar)

Client:

Port Autonome de Dakar (PAD) / Ministry of Infrastructure, Land Transport and Opening Up

Challenge:

As Senegal embarked on the construction of its largest port infrastructure project to date—the New Port of Ndayane—there was a critical need for a modern, reliable, and sustainable lighting infrastructure to match the facility’s strategic importance. The project site, located east of Dakar, required a lighting solution that could overcome the limitations of an unreliable grid connection and withstand the harsh coastal environment, characterized by salt spray and high humidity. The client sought to avoid the high operational costs and maintenance burdens associated with conventional grid-tied lighting while ensuring safety and operational continuity for this nationally significant infrastructure hub.

Requirement:

The client’s requirements were shaped by the need to establish world-class infrastructure for Senegal’s newest gateway to international trade:

Ensure Uninterrupted Port Operations: Provide robust, reliable lighting for critical port areas to enable 24/7 operations, ensuring safety for personnel, equipment, and cargo handling without dependence on the national grid.
Withstand Harsh Coastal Conditions: Deploy lighting infrastructure specifically designed to resist corrosion from salt spray and extreme weather, ensuring long-term durability and minimal maintenance in a demanding marine environment.
Achieve Operational Energy Independence: Eliminate reliance on the grid to secure lighting operations against power outages and avoid escalating electricity costs, contributing to the port’s long-term financial sustainability.
Integrate Smart Management Capabilities: Incorporate advanced features such as remote monitoring and control to simplify maintenance and enable adaptive lighting management across the expansive port area.

Our Approach:

We delivered a purpose-built, resilient lighting solution tailored to the unique demands of a coastal port environment:

Targeted Product Selection for a Port Environment: Deployed a strategic combination of lighting assets designed for maximum durability and functionality:
- 14 sets of 15M High Mast Lights with Automated Systems: Chosen to illuminate vast, high-traffic port zones from a height, providing superior coverage. These units feature electric lifting systems for safe, ground-level maintenance and are equipped with remote control functionality for centralized management.
- 29 sets of 10M Solar Street Lights (Single/Dual Arm): Selected for access roads and specific operational zones. These solar-powered units are engineered with battery storage capable of providing reliable illumination for two consecutive rainy days, ensuring continuous operation even during periods of limited sunlight.
Engineered for Durability and Reliability: All components were specified to meet rigorous standards for corrosion resistance and structural integrity, ensuring a long service life with minimal maintenance in the coastal environment. The solar street lights’ advanced Battery Management System guarantees consistent performance regardless of grid status.
Seamless Collaboration with Local Construction Partners: The project was implemented in close coordination with China Henan International Cooperation Group Co., Ltd. and other Chinese construction enterprises leading the port’s development. This ensured the lighting infrastructure was perfectly integrated with the broader civil works and met all project timelines and specifications.

Project Model:

14 sets of 15M High Mast Lights (with electric lifting systems & remote control) + 29 sets of 10M Solar Street Lights (single/dual arm, 2-day backup)

Outcomes:

“The solar lighting solution implemented at the New Port of Ndayane provides the reliability and durability our critical infrastructure demands. The combination of high mast lights and solar streetlights ensures our operations can continue safely and efficiently around the clock, independent of the grid.” — Representative from the Port Autonome de Dakar

The project delivered critical outcomes for Senegal’s flagship port development:

Enhanced Operational Security and Safety: The robust, high-quality illumination provided by the combined high mast and solar street lighting systems ensures safe navigation for vehicles, equipment, and personnel across all operational areas, supporting efficient 24/7 port logistics.
Guaranteed Grid Independence: By utilizing solar-powered solutions for key zones and remote-controlled systems for high mast areas, the port has secured its lighting infrastructure against grid instability, ensuring uninterrupted operations and shielding the facility from future energy price volatility.
Resilient Infrastructure for a Coastal Environment: The selection of corrosion-resistant materials and the deployment of automated high mast systems for ground-level maintenance demonstrate a forward-thinking approach, ensuring the lighting infrastructure will provide reliable service with minimal operational intervention for years to come.