Cap des Biches

For more than a decade, ContourGlobal has been an active partner in Africa’s energy sector, with operations in Senegal, Togo, and Rwanda. In Senegal, ContourGlobal’s collaboration with the National Electricity Company (SENELEC) has been central to advancing reliable and affordable electricity for households, businesses, and industry.

The Cap des Biches power plant, an 86 MW combined-cycle facility strategically located on the Atlantic coast near Dakar is at the heart of this partnership. Designed, developed, and built by ContourGlobal and its EPC contractor Wärtsilla, the plant began operations in 2016 and today represents approximately 9% of Senegal’s installed capacity.

Cap des Biches was the first facility in Senegal to deploy “Flexicycle” technology, which recovers waste heat from reciprocating engines to power a steam turbine, increasing efficiency and reducing specific emissions. This innovation allows the delivery of some of the most affordable electricity in the country. Just as importantly, the plant can be converted to run on natural gas, giving Senegal vital flexibility as the nation transitions away from heavy fuel oil, increasing its environmental and economic sustainability.