Sones and Senelec have signed an MoU for the development of a seawater reverse osmosis plant (SWRO) in Senegal. It is located about 40 km northeast of the country’s capital Dakar.
The agreements were signed in the presence of Engineer Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Falih, the Saudi Minister of Investment. As well as Macky Sall, the President of Senegal, and Fahd bin Ali Al Dosary, the Saudi Ambassador to Senegal.
In close collaboration with Sones, Acwa Power will oversee the development of the seawater reverse osmosis plant in Senegal. When finished, it will be Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest desalination facility of its sort. Additionally, it is the first desalination project in the nation to be carried out under public-private cooperation.
In accordance with the second MoU made public, Acwa Power and Senelec will collaborate closely to build a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant in Cap des Biches with a 160MW initial design capacity.
Also Read: Cap des Biches, Senegal’s first dual-fuel combined cycle power plant
Remarks on the proposed seawater reverse osmosis plant project
According to Fall, M.D of Sones, the new facility will support Senegal’s efforts to reduce its GHG emissions by 2030. It is also in line with the country’s gas-to-power strategy. This strategy aims to increase energy independence, lower electricity costs, and provide universal access to electricity.
“These agreements were signed in preparation for the Dakar-Mbour-Thies triangle’s fast-rising population and rising consumer demand. Additionally, this first PPP experience won’t have an impact on water prices,” Fall stated.
However, Fall claims that this framework for a partnership is evidence of the cooperation between Senegal and Saudi Arabia. It also offers the local private sector a chance to operate under Senegalese law by establishing a Senegalese firm.
Acwa Power Chairman Mohammad Abunayyan said, “We extend our sincere gratitude to the Senegalese leadership. We thank them for their trust and confidence in Acwa Power’s abilities to realize this seawater reverse osmosis plant project for the country. We feel incredibly privileged to help Senegal and Saudi Arabia today by fostering their relationship.”
“Furthermore, Acwa Power is utilizing its global knowledge to promote the country’s sustainable and socioeconomic development for years to come. This is in accordance with its duty to offer dependable delivery of power and desalinated water,” stated Abunayyan.
He added, “Acwa Power is one of the world’s largest private operators of water desalination plants. It currently has a strong portfolio that includes 10 massive seawater reverse osmosis plant projects.”
