The implementation of Senegal’s Cap des Biches Gas-to-power project is well on course. The 300-megawatt gas-fired combined cycle power plant is being constructed on a 9.923-hectare property. The site is located in the Rufisque commune, 20 kilometers from Dakar.

West African Energy and Société Nationale d’Electricité du Sénégal are developing the project. In October 2020, West African Energy gave the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract to Çalık Enerji. Similarly, General Electric (GE) was chosen in January 2021 to produce and provide the project’s turbines. In addition, the company would supply generators and other ancillary equipment.

Afry, a Swedish engineering design, and consultancy services company, was selected to serve as the owner’s engineer. For the planning, finance, building, operation, and maintenance of the project, the Canadian legal firm Fasken was selected. Moreover, the firm would also offer project sponsors advisory services.

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Scope of Senegal’s Cap des Biches Gas-to-Power Project

Senegal’s Cap des Biches Gas-to-Power Project entails the installation of two E.03 gas turbines, one STF-A200 steam turbine, and three A39 generators. In addition, two heat recovery steam generators (HRSG) and associated balance of plant (BOP) equipment will also be installed.

All this equipment will be supplied by GE. In addition, the company will supply, a steam condensation system, stacks, and three 11.5/90kV step-up transformers with 147 megavolt amperes (MVA) each. Furthermore, GE will provide add-ons for connecting to 90kV busbars, and a gas-insulated substation (GIS).

As part of the Cap des Biches Gas-to-Power Project, two natural gas delivery stations, and heavy fuel oil (HFO) storage tanks with a 3,000 cubic meter capacity will be built. In addition, there will be a water treatment station, a tank for demineralized water, and a liquid effluent treatment unit.

Upon completion, the plant will receive fuel from the African Refining Company (Société Africaine de Raffinage) via tankers and pipelines from Dakar. The facility will have an annual natural gas input capacity of 1,138,800 cubic meters. Additionally, the drinking water supplier in Senegal, SEN’EAU, will provide the water needed for the facility.

Financing of Senegal’s Cap des Biches Gas-to-Power Project

The African Finance Corporation (AFC), Coris Bank International, and other financial institutions are anticipated to contribute to the project’s funding. The other financial institutions include the pan-African multilateral trade finance organization Afrexim Bank. The cost of the Cap des Biches Gas-to-Power Project is approximately US$348.9 million.

In conclusion, the Cap des Biches Gas-to-power plant will be Senegal’s first to have a dual fuel operating capacity. By mid-2023, as a result of the planned rise in domestic gas supplies from Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) and other developments, the power plant will progressively switch from heavy fuel oil to natural gas.