Senegal has kicked off conversion of the Bel Air power plant from heavy fuel oil to liquefied natural gas (LNG). With a capacity of 335MW, Bel Air is one of the country’s largest power facilities.
The upgrade, overseen by Senelec, Senegal’s national electricity provider, has been entrusted to Finnish engineering company Wärtsilä. The transformation will occur in two main stages. The initial phase, already underway, focuses on modifying the plant’s engines to operate on LNG. The second phase, expected to conclude by late 2025, will finalize the switch to natural gas as the primary energy source.
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Broader strategy
This initiative is part of Senegal’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and harness its newly available domestic gas resources. In 2023 alone, Senegal spent approximately US $2.13bn on imported refined fuels—almost one-fifth of the country’s total import bill. By shifting to LNG, the government aims to cut energy costs, improve the trade balance, and enhance national energy security.
Though temporary challenges to electricity stability may arise during the transition, Senelec has assured the public it is implementing measures to maintain a reliable supply and minimize any disruptions. This is especially important for industries with high energy demands, such as mining and manufacturing.
In the long term, Senegal has set a goal to reach 3,000 megawatts of electricity generation capacity by 2050, with gas playing a central role. The Bel Air plant conversion is seen as a foundational step toward that objective. It is also expected to stimulate further investment in energy infrastructure, improve industrial productivity, and bring the country closer to energy independence.