As Senegal positions itself as a hub for energy growth and gas monetization, the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition – taking place in Dakar from December 9-10 – offers a timely platform to showcase progress across LNG, renewables and storage.

Karpowership LNG-to-Power Agreement

In July this year, Senegal launched Africa’s first operational LNG-to-power project following a four-year development phase. The project is a collaboration between Turkey’s Karpowership, Japan’s Mitsui & Co. and the Senegalese government, and involves a floating storage and regasification unit paired with a 235 MW powership off the coast of Dakar. The facility uses LNG sourced from the Sangomar field to deliver gas-based electricity directly into the grid via subsea infrastructure.

NEA Kolda Solar-Storage Project

The NEA Kolda solar-plus-storage project, developed by Axian Energy in partnership with Voltalia and Entech, represents a key advancement in Senegal’s renewable infrastructure. Located in the Kolda region, the facility will combine 60 MWp of solar PV capacity with 70 MWh of battery storage to ensure round-the-block power availability. Designed to enhance grid resilience and reduce dependency on thermal generation, the project will support rural electrification and economic development. Construction on the project began in 2025, with commissioning targeted for 2026.

Scaling Solar

In May 2024, Senegal’s national utility Senelec commenced the conversion of its 335 MW Bel Air thermal power plant in Dakar from heavy fuel oil to LNG. Finnish engineering firm Wärtsilä is overseeing the two-phase upgrade, with the first phase set to convert six Wärtsilä 46 engines to dual fuel Wärtsilä 50DF units. The second phase will finalize full LNG fuel operation by the end of 2025. The initiative aims to tap domestic gas, cut costs and reinforce energy security in the country.

Just Energy Transition Partnership

Launched in mid-2023, the Just Energy Transition Partnership between Senegal and a coalition of partners – including France, Germany, the EU, UK and Canada – commits up to €2.5 billion to support decarbonization and renewable energy deployment. The partnership targets 40% renewable electricity in Senegal’s mix by 2030, with a focus on grid upgrades, capacity building and private sector mobilization.

Taiba N’Diaye Wind Power Project

The 158.7 MW Taiba N’Diaye Wind Farm, developed by UK-based Lekela, remains Senegal’s largest wind project to date. Backed by the U.S.’s OPIC, Denmark’s EKF, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, the wind farm supplies approximately 400 GWh annually under a 20-year power purchase agreement with Senelec. The plant benefits nearly two million people and reduces emissions by an estimated 300,000 tons of CO2 per year.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.msgbcoilgasandpower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.