Malicounda Power Plant

Energy

Malicounda Power Plant

A 120 MW combined cycle thermal power plant at Malicounda.

17%

expected increase in generation capacity

3%

expected reduction in consumer tariffs

150

jobs expected to be created

About project

Malicounda is a 120 MW combined cycle thermal power plant under construction 85 kilometres from Dakar, designed to produce at least 956 GWh of power a year. It will initially run on fuel oil but is expected to be converted to natural gas when this becomes available from local fields.

The electricity generated will be sold under a 20-year power purchase agreement and fed into the network through an existing distribution substation.


Role of Africa50

Africa50 worked with Senelec (the Senegalese utility) to select a strategic partner (Melec PowerGen). The consortium of sponsors is currently securing debt financing.


Our partners

Melec PowerGen (MPG) | Senelec

Project impact

Development

  • The plant is expected to increase generating capacity in Senegal by about 17%, while reducing generation costs by about 14%.
  • If the savings are passed on to consumers this could result in a 3-7% fall in tariffs and a 1-3% rise in GDP.

Environment

  • The plant is expected to help satisfy baseloads, facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable power into the country’s network.
  • This type of combined-cycle power plant produces higher output at higher efficiencies (up to 55%) with lower emissions than the older open-cycle plants presently being used.
  • When converted to gas the plant is expected to form part of the evolution of Senegal’s energy mix from diesel (currently about 75% of total generation capacity) to renewables, reducing emissions.

Employment

  • About 150 jobs are expected to be created during construction.

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