GE secures power equipment contract in Senegal

General Electric has secured an order to supply gas power generation equipment for West Africa Energy’s 300 megawatt combined-cycle power project in Cap des Biches, Dakar, Senegal.

Upon completion, it will be the biggest power plant in the country and is expected to generate nearly 25 per cent of the power consumed, providing the equivalent electricity needed to power up to 500,000 Senegalese homes.

The plant is expected to begin operations in phases starting in 2022, enhancing universal access to electricity and supporting the Senegalese government’s target to increase its generation capacity with a greater utilisation of natural gas and renewables.

The Chief Executive Officer of West African Energy, Samuel Sarr, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with GE to deliver reliable and efficient gas turbines to Senegal, aligned with the country’s strategy on gas to power under the leadership of President Macky Sall, to develop the energy sector for the development of strategic sectors of the economy, while actively driving localisation initiatives.

“Once completed, the project will also go a long way in reducing the cost of electricity in the country.”

GE will supply two 9E.03 gas turbines, one STF-A200 steam turbine, three A39 generators, two Heat Recovery Steam Generators and additional balance of plant equipment as part of the project scope.

CEO for GE’s Gas Power business in Sub-Saharan Africa, Elisee Sezan, added, “Over the last decade, GE has been building on a proven track record of delivering and commissioning power projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, and we are delighted to continue this trend by providing our gas power technology to support the expected renewables growth in the country.

“Cap des Biches Power Plant in Senegal represents another opportunity to use gas-fired generators as an ideal complement to variable renewable resources because they can change power levels quickly, turn down to low levels when demand is lower, and start rapidly.”