Vestas Wind Systems A/S is entering a new market with a 159-MW engineering, procurement and construction contract for the first utility-scale wind project in Senegal.

The order from Parc Eolien Taiba N'Diaye covers the supply, installation and commissioning of 46 V126-3.45 MW turbines, according to a Sept. 3 news release. The contract also includes a service agreement for the operation and maintenance of the wind park over the next 20 years.

"This is a very special order for us, since together with Lekela, we are delivering a project that will represent 20 percent of the country's energy mix and have a positive impact on Senegalese communities, providing opportunities for local employment while responding to the country's energy challenges," said Nicolas Wolff, Vestas' vice president for sales region Western Mediterranean.

Renewable energy company Lekela is the majority owner of Parc Eolien Taiba N'Diaye.

Vestas expects turbine deliveries between the second and third quarters of 2019 and commissioning between the third quarter of 2019 and first quarter of 2020.