By: Energy capital & power

Birame Souleye Diop, Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Senegal has outlined the four pillars of the country’s energy strategy. He reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to a balanced approach that combines fossil fuel development with a steady energy transition. The strategy aims to strengthen energy independence while supporting economic development and public health. The four pillars focus on expanding domestic hydrocarbon use, reinforcing power infrastructure, deepening regional energy integration and promoting clean cooking solutions.

Hydrocarbon Projects Development

The first pillar is the development of hydrocarbon projects to drive economic growth while supporting a gradual energy transition through natural gas production. Senegal entered the LNG export market in February 2025 with the start of production at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field, operated by international oil companies bp and Kosmos Energy, exporting 3.5 cargoes in Q2. In parallel, the Sangomar oil project, led by Australian energy firm Woodside Energy, began production in June 2024. Located offshore about 100 km south of Dakar, Sangomar is Senegal’s first offshore oil development and is expected to produce approximately 100,000 barrels of oil per day at peak. Another key asset is the Yakaar-Teranga gas project, operated by national oil company Petrosen and Kosmos Energy, which targets large-scale domestic gas production for 2027-2028. The project is designed to support local gas-to-power solutions, reduce energy imports, and boost industrialization.

Power Infrastructure

The second pillar focuses on reducing regional disparities in electrification through power infrastructure. In July 2025, Senelec’s floating storage and regasification unit LNGT Africa, supplied regasified LNG from GTA to a powership from Karpowership, marking a key step in Senegal’s plan to improve its power infrastructure. In addition, the government is converting existing power plants to run on natural gas. A flagship example is the Bel-Air power plant in Dakar, which is currently being upgraded from heavy fuel oil to gas. Once completed, this conversion will reduce emissions, lower fuel costs and improve generation efficiency. These efforts form part of Senegal’s broader electrification strategy aimed at achieving universal access, particularly in underserved rural areas where infrastructure gaps remain significant.

Regional Integration

The third pillar is regional integration, with Senegal reinforcing cross-border electricity connections to optimize resource sharing and enhance energy security. As part of this strategy, Senegal is advancing the second phase of the Gambia River Basin Development Organization interconnection project, which connects the national electricity grids of Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. The project involves over 1,600 km of high-voltage transmission lines and aims to facilitate cross-border electricity trade, reduce reliance on expensive thermal generation and integrate renewable energy sources across the region. Senegal’s participation in this initiative includes joint power development planning, shared use of generation capacity and coordinated investment strategies. 

Clean Cooking

Clean cooking is the fourth pillar of the strategy, addressing both environmental concerns and public health outcomes. In April 2025, Senegal launched its National Strategy for Clean Cooking and Biofuels 2025–2035, backed by a budget of 73 billion FCFA and supported by partners such as GIZ. The initiative aims to ensure universal access to clean cooking technologies—including LPG, biogas, electric stoves and improved cookstoves—by 2035. With over 42% of households still relying on wood and charcoal, the strategy targets deforestation, indoor air pollution and associated health risks. It also strengthens institutional coordination and promotes private sector participation. In Dakar, LPG usage already exceeds 99%, illustrating progress toward cleaner, safer and more sustainable domestic energy use nationwide.

The upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Conference and Exhibition will explore Senegal’s four energy pillars, showcasing key energy projects in Senegal such as GTA, Sangomar and Sambangalou. Taking place in Dakar from December 9–10, the event will highlight investment opportunities in Senegal and the region.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visitwww.msgbcoilgasandpower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.