The Project will validate the feasibility of co-developing, co-investing, and building a wind farm in the Tahoua Region in Niger and will focus on the completion of various studies (including E&S studies, installation of wind met mast and the related wind measurement campaign, grid study, yield assessment, etc.).                                                   

  Under this Collaboration, IFC will support Savannah to conduct a yearlong bird and bat (baseline risk characterization) surveys due to the risk of threatened bird and bat collisions with turbines. Based on a desktop review and the bird and bat field surveys, a Critical Habitat screening will also be completed to identify the biodiversity values associated with the selected site(s) that have the potential to qualify as Critical Habitat per IFC PS6 and Guidance Note 6. This work will be preceded by consultation with key stakeholders, identification, and ranking of priority biodiversity values. This will be followed by the development of E&S / Technical constraint maps for the selected site(s) (to include, as appropriate, constraints around noise, shadow flicker, slope, geotechnical conditions, sensitive E&S receptors) which will assist Savannah to complete the indicative site layout. Key E&S issue for the project concerns the avoidance, monitoring, and management of potential adverse impacts including impacts on migratory soaring birds during construction and commissioning and particularly during wind farm operations.

In addition, a screening of the selected site (s) will be carried out to ensure that risks related to land acquisition and leasing of land will be avoided or if not, adequately minimized and mitigated. As a part of this work, a framework for land rights acquisition will be developed that includes the overall approach and general procedures to secure rights and to provide adequate compensation including resettlement and livelihood restoration support, if needed in alignment with IFC PS. One of the key outputs of this work would also include terms of reference for an IFC PS-aligned ESIA, E&S Management Plans, and any additional studies required. Other keys E&S risks to be considered in the ESIA at a minimum include: i) E&S and OHS performance during construction and operation; ii) fair treatment and safe working conditions for employees and contractors alike, including adequate adoption and implementation of relevant human resource (HR) policies and procedure, transparent and non-discriminatory recruitment and an effective worker grievance mechanism; iii) supply chain risks including forced and child labor; iv) community safety (including harassment and gender-based violence) due to labor influx, accommodation needs, road traffic safety, and presence of security forces; and, v) stakeholder engagement and grievance management and vi ) presence of security forces and the management of security personnel and security operations during the construction and operations phase consistent with PS4 requirements including IFC’s “Good Practice Handbook on the Use of Security Forces: Assessing and Managing Risks and Impacts” and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.