The Cap des Biches combined-cycle power plant (CCPP) is currently under construction in Senegal. It will be Senegal’s first combined-cycle power plant and is set to become the largest power plant in the country.
The project’s development is headed by West African Energy, which holds an 85% stake, and Société Nationale d’Électricité du Sénégal (Senelec), the national electricity utility company, with a 15% share.
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The plant is being developed as an independent power producer, with Senelec as the sole purchaser of the electricity generated. It is projected to produce up to 25% of Senegal’s power demand, thereby meeting the electricity requirements of half a million households in the country.
Aligned with the Senegalese Government’s gas-to-power strategy and the Emerging Senegal Plan, the project aims to reduce the cost of electricity by 2035. The project will utilise domestic gas to generate electricity at a reduced cost.
The project will be implemented in phases with a total installed capacity of 366MW. First power is expected to be generated in 2024.
Project location
The Cap des Biches CCPP is under construction in the industrial zone of Cap des Biches in Senegal’s capital city of Dakar.
Development background
Construction on the project commenced in March 2021 with the ceremonial laying of the first foundation stone.
The transformers for the project, weighing a collective 542t, arrived at the port of Dakar in May 2022, signalling the project had reached 35% completion. The gas turbines and generators were subsequently received in August 2023.
Cap des Biches power plant make-up
Powered by natural gas, the Cap des Biches CCPP will consist of two 9E.03 gas turbines, each with 120MW of capacity, an STF-A200 steam turbine and three A39 generators. Additionally, it will be outfitted with two heat recovery steam generators (HRSG) and associated balance of plant equipment.
The will involve the installation of a turbine capable of generating 120MW in a simple cycle process. The second phase will transition the plant to combined-cycle operation with the installation of the steam turbine and the recovery boiler.
Turbine details
The 9E gas turbine is a robust, proven platform known for delivering high availability, reliability and longevity and offering durability at a lower cost per kilowatt.
The turbine employs materials from proven E and F-classes and is fired at lower E-class temperatures for the hot gas path. It also features cooling, and sealing improvements, improved clearances and improved work distribution. The turbine can use more than 52 types of fuel.
The STF-A200 steam turbine, with an efficiency of 41%, can generate up to 250MW and is compatible with both 50Hz and 60Hz grids. It operates in sliding pressure, fixed pressure or hybrid modes, with or without the use of an overload valve.
Financing
The African Finance Corporation, an infrastructure investment entity, sanctioned an underwriting facility of $265m in December 2022, enabling the project to achieve financial closure.
The African Development Bank is serving as the mandated lead arranger for the banks and lenders providing the financing. Fasken has been the principal advisor to West African Energy in securing the financing facility.
Contractors involved
GE Vernova, a division of General Electric (GE) specialising in gas power, was granted a 25-year service agreement for the project in October 2023. The contract encompasses the provision of asset performance management software to enhance predictive analytics across the power project.
GE was appointed to supply the gas and steam turbines, including the generators, HRSG and additional balance of plant equipment, in January 2021.
Çalık Enerji, an engineering, procurement and construction company based in Turkey, was engaged in October 2020 to provide construction services for the power plant.
Flenco Fluid System, an Italian systems provider, was chosen by GE as a preferred subcontractor in January 2021, to supply auxiliary systems for the plant.
Bureau Veritas, a testing, inspection and certification company, is responsible for technical control and ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the plant during its construction.
AFRY, an engineering, design and advisory services provider, is acting as the owner’s engineer for the project.
