Realizing the potential of Africa’s immense natural gas reserves – estimated at over 620 trillion cubic feet – while meeting the continent’s energy requirements will require significant investment and long-term contracts for gas-to-power projects. Given the young, burgeoning and rapidly urbanizing African population, gas-to-power and combined-cycle developments have a vital role to play as a dependable and sustainable source of energy for the continent. Accordingly, several gas-to-power projects are due to begin construction or come online in 2024, offering the potential to drive additional gas-focused investments and foster industrialized growth.
Sandiara Gas-to-Power Plant, Senegal
With construction slated to begin in 2024, project management company TSK recently partnered with Senegal’s LFR Energy to provide sustainable solutions and services for the Sandiara Gas-to-Power Plant in the country’s Special Economic Zone. With a capacity of 360 MW and utilizing gas resources, the project features an annual production capacity of 2,900 GWh. The power plant will utilize gas from Senegal’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) and Yakaar-Teranga field developments, which will be transported via pipeline to the plant.
Cap des Biches Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Plant, Senegal
A key component of Senegal’s gas-to-power strategy, the Cap des Biches Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Plant will have an initial estimated capacity of 160 MW and will leverage sizable gas reserves to be brought online by large-scale projects underway in the region. Currently in its construction phase, the project is expected to enter into commercial operation in December 2024 and will generate 2,390 GWh of electricity for consumers.
Soyo II Combined Cycle Power Plant, Angola
Expected to start construction in 2024 and with commercial operation slated for 2025, the 500 MW dual-fuel Soyo II Combined Cycle Power Plant presents a cost-effective alternative for power generation in Angola. The project is currently in its permitting stage and is expected to take Angola’s gas processing capacity from 75 million cubic feet to 125 million cubic feet of natural gas per day.
Tobruk Gas Power Plant, Libya
The Tobruk Gas Power Plant is a 1,420 MW dual-fuel fired power project currently under construction in Butnan, Libya. The project is expected to start production in 2024 and is being developed by Libya’s state-owned General Electricity Company. Last October, the company announced the arrival of 12 containers loaded with cooling systems, which have been successfully connected.
Richards Bay Gas-to-Power Plant, South Africa
Having secured an environmental permit from South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment last October to site and operate floating LNG ships in the Port of Richards Bay, energy firm Karpowership expects to start producing 450 MW of electricity in South Africa in 2024. The power station is currently in its pre-construction phase and is poised to alleviate the country’s ongoing energy woes as a result of aging coal-fired power stations.
