---
title: Integrating solar energy to a mine in Burkina Faso
date: 2021-03-31T13:37:00-04:00
author: jessica napert
canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/projects/integrating-solar-energy-to-a-mine-in-burkina-faso"
section: Projects
---
IAMGOLD wanted to acquire a 225 kV transmission line to power its Essakane mining facilities located in the desert zone of northeastern Burkina Faso. Based on BBA expert studies, the mining company opted for solar energy, a solution that resulted in millions of dollars in annual diesel fuel savings.

 

- Region International
- Client  IAMGOLD Corporation
 
 

 

 

   1. ## Our experts' solutions
    
    BBA initially performed the feasibility study, which demonstrated major benefits that would result from building a solar photovoltaic power plant as an alternative power source to the existing 57 MW diesel plant at the mine. BBA then oversaw the integration of the 15 MW, 6.6 kV photovoltaic farm to the facilities. The firm also provided specialized technical services during negotiations for the power purchase agreement with the private company responsible for operating the solar farm and supervised construction work as the Owner’s Engineer. The implemented solutions included:
    
    
    - Economic study (cost analysis) to assess effects of the solar power plant on fuel consumption from diesel generators
    - Assessment of the potential maximum power output of onsite solar resources
    - Choice of technology, including PV panels, transformers, AC and DC cables and DC connection boxes for the converter station
    - Impact assessment of the solar farm on the existing electrical distribution system
    - Coordination of electrical and structural construction work
    - Support for commissioning to ensure compliance with the power purchase agreement
 
        

  

  

 

 1. > Because they were present at the mine site, the BBA Project Leaders were able to quickly apply their management skills to ensure that adding the solar farm to the thermal power plant would not impact mining operations. For their part, engineers at the Mont-Saint-Hilaire offices supported IAMGOLD in every contractual and technical aspect of this major project.
    
     IAMGOLD
2. - 15 MW of installed solar power capacity
    - 6 million Annual savings of 6 million litres in fuel
    - 10% Up to 10% renewable energy penetration on the system
 
   - [  29 Jul 2026 
    
     Sachin Jari appointed Principal Director & Head of Commercial Strategy and Business Development 
    
     
    
     
    
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/news/sachin-jari-appointed-principal-director-head-of-commercial-strategy-and-business-development "Sachin Jari appointed Principal Director & Head of Commercial Strategy and Business Development")
- [  27 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp)
    - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance")
- [  02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp)
    - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing")
- [  02 Jul 2026 
    
     Stéphanie Turbide appointed Office Director, Mont-Saint-Hilaire 
    
     
    
     
    
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/news/stephanie-turbide-appointed-office-director-mont-saint-hilaire "Stéphanie Turbide appointed Office Director, Mont-Saint-Hilaire")
 
 

       

 

 

   

 Let’s see what  
we can do  
together [ Contact us    

 ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/contact) 

 

   

 1. ## Our experts' solutions
    
    BBA initially performed the feasibility study, which demonstrated major benefits that would result from building a solar photovoltaic power plant as an alternative power source to the existing 57 MW diesel plant at the mine. BBA then oversaw the integration of the 15 MW, 6.6 kV photovoltaic farm to the facilities. The firm also provided specialized technical services during negotiations for the power purchase agreement with the private company responsible for operating the solar farm and supervised construction work as the Owner’s Engineer. The implemented solutions included:
    
    
    - Economic study (cost analysis) to assess effects of the solar power plant on fuel consumption from diesel generators
    - Assessment of the potential maximum power output of onsite solar resources
    - Choice of technology, including PV panels, transformers, AC and DC cables and DC connection boxes for the converter station
    - Impact assessment of the solar farm on the existing electrical distribution system
    - Coordination of electrical and structural construction work
    - Support for commissioning to ensure compliance with the power purchase agreement