Powering Progress: Fekola Solar Plant Expansion in Operation
We are proud to announce that Phase 2 of the Fekola Solar Plant in Mali has officially started operations in Q1 2025 – a major step forward in B2Gold’s journey toward decarbonizing its mining operations.
With this latest expansion, B2Gold has added 25 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar power and 12 megawatt hours (MWh) of battery storage. This brings the site’s total capacity to 61 MWp and 38 MWh.
To put it into perspective:
The solar plant can now generate enough electricity to supply over 40,000 average European households during peak sunlight hours, with battery storage that can keep essential systems running well into the night.
This upgrade means the mine can now run completely without heavy fuel oil (HFO) engines during the day – making this a landmark project in sustainable mining. More than 30% of the site’s electricity needs are covered by solar energy alone – clean, renewable, and locally produced.
The environmental impact is remarkable:
– Around 20 million liters of fuel are saved per year
– An estimated 63,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions are avoided annually
– At the same time, the mine benefits from a more stable and independent energy supply, even in its remote desert location
At the heart of this system is the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). It works like a smart buffer in solar setups, storing excess energy when solar power is abundant. When energy demand spikes or sunlight drops, they kick in instantly, stabilizing the flow, smoothing fluctuations and supporting grid stability. This ensures a reliable renewable energy supply even in a fully off-grid setting.
Dornier Suntrace supported B2Gold as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) contractor throughout both phases of this ambitious project.
This achievement is the result of outstanding teamwork, innovation, and shared purpose. It demonstrates how renewable technologies can deliver real, measurable impact – even under the most challenging conditions.
