Senelec, Karpowership Launch Senegal’s First LNG-to-Power Project

Senegal’s national utility Senelec and Turkish energy firm Karpowership have officially launched the country’s first LNG-to-power project, now generating electricity offshore Dakar.

LNG for the project is supplied by a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) and transferred to Karpowership’s KPS 10 powership, with power generation commencing on April 29. This marks a significant milestone for both Senegal and the continent, representing Africa’s first operational LNG-to-power initiative.

The project follows Senegal’s first-ever ship-to-ship LNG transfer between the FSRU LNGT Africa and a supply vessel. Developed by shipbuilder Seatrium and owned by Karmol – a joint venture between Karpowership and Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines – the LNGT Africa has been stationed in Senegal since 2021. It is connected via pipeline to the Karadeniz Powership Ayşegül Sultan, which has been supplying electricity to the national grid since 2019.

With a current installed capacity of 335 MW, Karpowership’s floating power assets now account for approximately 25% of Senegal’s electricity supply.