Senegal Achieves Major LNG Milestone as Production Ramps to 90% Capacity
Senegal has officially entered the global LNG market as a major player, with the floating LNG vessel Gimi reaching full commercial operations and ramping production to approximately 2.4 million tons per annum, representing 90% of its 2.7 million ton nameplate capacity.
The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, operated jointly by bp and Kosmos Energy offshore Mauritania and Senegal, has already exported multiple cargoes following its first LNG delivery in February and inaugural commercial cargo in April 2025. A fourth cargo is currently being loaded with a fifth expected in early Q3 2025, marking Senegal’s rapid ascent as an LNG exporter.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye revealed that by 2027, 20-25% of the LNG produced from the project’s first phase could supply the domestic market, potentially leading to permanent reductions in energy prices. This domestic allocation strategy represents a significant shift toward energy independence for the West African nation.
The transformation is already underway with major infrastructure developments. National utility Senelec has partnered with Elton Oil Company to supply LNG to power plants under construction or conversion, including the groundbreaking conversion of the 335 MW Bel Air plant from heavy fuel oil to dual-fuel LNG operations.
The switch from heavy fuel oil, which currently costs up to 38 cents per kWh, to domestically sourced LNG is expected to dramatically reduce power generation costs while cutting CO2 emissions by 50-60% per kWh. This transition aligns with Senegal’s ambitious climate targets, including achieving a 40% renewable energy share by 2030.
The reliable power supply will catalyze industrial development, particularly in mining and agriculture sectors, with plans to produce 100,000 tons of urea annually from the project, reducing fertilizer imports and supporting food security.
Source: energycapitalpower.com
